VIDEO: Watch Marc Marquez make track return in Barcelona

Marc Marquez's comeback reached a significant milestone on Tuesday when the eight-time world champion rode his first laps of a MotoGP circuit since last July, on board a Honda RC213V-S, at the Circuit de Catalunya:

The Repsol Honda star broke his right arm in a brutal accident at the 2020 Jerez season-opener and has required three operations due to complications.

But a recent medical check finally confirmed 'satisfactory bone consolidation', after the earlier infection, clearing the way for Marquez to ride a minibike at the Circuito de Alcarrás.

After a quick trip to Qatar to receive the Covid-19 vaccination on offer to the MotoGP paddock, Marquez then wasted no time in making his return to a full-size machine, the RC213V-S, at Barcelona.

The RC213V-S is the production version of Marquez's MotoGP bike and the nearest he can get, under the rules, to trying a grand prix machine outside of a race weekend or official test.

Among those supporting Marquez on Tuesday in Barcelona was his MotoGP crew chief Santi Hernandez.

While no information about the #93's fitness on the bike have been released - Repsol Honda stating only that the track day was 'to understand his physical condition after eight months away' - the outing adds weight to growing speculation that Marquez intends to be present when opening practice begins for the 2021 Qatar MotoGP season-opener on Friday, March 26.