VIDEO: Marquez bros first motorbike laps since lockdown

MotoGP champion Marc Marquez and younger brother Alex have been back on a motorbike for the first time since Spain went into lockdown in mid-March.

Following the guidelines and safety recommendations of government and health experts, the Repsol Honda riders had only returned to cycling outdoors in early May.

Then, earlier this week, the pair were finally allowed to end their motorcycle drought by going motocross training at ‘El Bosquet’ Circuit in Ponts (video below).

Marc, who underwent shoulder surgery at the end of last year, has his sights set on a seventh premier-class title when the disrupted season finally gets underway, while reigning Moto2 champion Alex will be chasing rookie of the year honours.

“After two months, honestly it was a little strange at the start to be back on the bike for the first laps," said Marc. "I was a bit nervous because you never know if you will be at the same level.

"But soon I was feeling better as all of the muscles and the mind started to remember everything again.

"It was really nice to be able to get back on the bike, this is a feeling you can’t find anywhere else. Step by step we’re coming closer and closer to normal life and this is the most important point.”

Alex added: “It is great to be able to return to more normal training and it was a real pleasure to be back out on the motocross circuit. When something like this is your passion, you always enjoy it a lot so it was special to ride, you need the bike in your life.

"For at least a little bit it was like everything was normal. Unfortunately, the world is still not yet back to normal and we as riders, as well as everyone else, must continue to adapt and do our best in this situation. Hopefully, we can have more days like today.”

MotoGP is awaiting clearance from the Spanish government to begin the disrupted 2020 season behind closed-doors at Jerez on July 19, with another race at the same circuit a week later.