Reigning MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez continues to the countdown to his title defence but is still recovering from a broken leg which could well hamper his performance at the Qatar opening round in a fortnight.

Marquez fractured his fibula in a dirt-track crash and acknowledges he will not be 100 per cent fit for the desert race but says he is on the right path to being able to at least try and compete at Losail.

“We're getting better. The bone is mending, which is important, and every time I have a review with Dr. Mir he tells me that my condition is improving. I'm gradually exercising more, so we'll see how we are in Qatar. Clearly I will not be 100 % fit, but I shall try to be as prepared as possible,” said Marquez.

“I would prefer to get to Qatar fully prepared after a normal preseason, but the situation is what it is. I'll have to be patient, especially in the first practice, as it’s been about a month and a half since I last got on the bike.

“The fact that the first Sepang test went very well and we were able to try many things gives us piece of mind, but it is clear that we have things still on the ‘to do’ list from preseason so we will have to work a little harder at the first few races. The priority in Qatar is take things calmly."