HRC with a 10-day deadline to choose a new rider in the event of Marc Marquez’s incapacity

Following the diagnosis of diplopia of the Spanish driver Marc Márquez, Honda will certainly have to name a replacement driver for the next Grand Prix.

After the Spanish runner’s accident on Sunday morning in Mandalika, Marquez was diagnosed with a new episode of diplopia. It’s the second time in less than six months that Marquez has had vision problems and leaves Honda with a decision to make.

The Japanese manufacturer is obliged by regulations to select a replacement driver for the upcoming Argentine and United States GP in case Marquez is deemed unfit. The HRC, like all teams, has 10 days to choose a new driver before the next GP on the calendar.

For a better explanation, assuming a rider gets injured in Argentina next weekend, the team doesn’t have to name a replacement for the Grand Prix of the Americas seven days later. However, they will be required to nominate a rider for the opening day of European racing, in Portimao, on April 24. Where there is a weekend between Grands Prix there must be a replacement rider appointment until the next race takes place.

If a rider cannot compete and the teams don’t want to waste time with the substitution, there is also a time limit. In Moto2 and Moto3, it’s two hours after the second free practice, that is to say Friday at the end of the day. For MotoGP, the time limit is two hours before the start of qualifying. The reason for the longer limit is that the main class has an extra free practice on Saturday.

In the case of factory Honda, Stefan Bradl is expected to take over at the wheel of the RC213V, as it was the German who raced in Marquez’s absence. It will depend on the situation of number 93, whether or not he is declared unfit by the doctors.