Marc Marquez is heading back to MotoGP action this weekend, and fans couldn't be happier.
The reigning world champion will make his comeback at the Italian Grand Prix in Mugello after sitting out the last two races due to injury.
Ducati confirmed the brilliant news on Tuesday afternoon, announcing that the 33-year-old Spaniard will travel to the Tuscan circuit tomorrow.
There's still one hurdle to clear, though – Marquez needs to pass a medical assessment by MotoGP doctors on Thursday before he can officially take part in the weekend's racing.
Marc Marquez is set to return to action this weekend
|GETTY
It's been a tough few weeks for the eight-time world champion, who hasn't competed since his nasty crash during the Le Mans Sprint on 8 May.
That Le Mans incident left Marquez with a fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot – essentially a broken bone near his little toe.
He underwent surgery at the Ruber International Hospital in Madrid just two days after the crash.
While he was there, doctors also took the opportunity to remove two screws from his right shoulder that had been causing problems.
Turns out, one of those screws had broken during a collision with Marco Bezzecchi in Indonesia last October, and it had been pressing on a nerve in his arm during certain riding situations.
Marc Marquez suffered a shocking crash at Le Mans | REUTERSThe shoulder procedure had actually been planned for after the Catalan Grand Prix anyway, so Marquez simply brought it forward.
Both operations went smoothly, and he was discharged from hospital a fortnight ago.
Missing Marquez means the championship picture has shifted considerably, with the Spaniard now sitting 85 points behind leader Marco Bezzecchi heading into Mugello.
Marc Marquez has suffered a broken foot after the crash, missing his home race the following weekend
| XStill, with 18 grands prix remaining and 666 points up for grabs, a title challenge is far from impossible if he can rediscover his early-season form.
The timing of his return couldn't be better for Ducati, either – this weekend marks the Italian manufacturer's home race, and they're celebrating their centenary this year.
Marquez was absolutely dominant at Mugello in 2024, claiming pole position before winning both the Sprint and the main event.
His brother Alex won't be joining him in Italy, though – the Gresini rider is still recovering at home following his heavy crash in Barcelona.