Marc Marquez' slim chance of snatching the 2011 Moto2 world title from Stefan Bradl at this weekend's Valencia season finale look to be over before the event has even begun.
The Repsol Suter rookie - who has slipped 23 points behind Bradl after missing the Malaysian round due to upper-body injuries and sight problems, having fallen when marshals failed to warn of a wet section of track - was told on Wednesday that he is still unfit to ride.
There remains a slight chance that his vision could improve in time - and Marquez will travel to Valencia on Thursday just in case - but even if he races, Marquez needs to win and Bradl finish 14th or lower to change the championship order.
"It is a shame, because I was looking forward to compete in Valencia," said Marquez. "With the injuries one can do nothing, especially being a sight problem. It is nothing serious, but we need more time.
"If it was the shoulder I could make an effort and run, but without a perfect sight we can't take risks. If I couldn't see, even for one moment, I could put me and other riders in danger.
"We can't be very optimistic, but the doctors said there's a small chance I could be better, so we'll see. If it doesn't, it will be a shame to miss the last race in Valencia in front of our fans, but we will be happy anyway with the season we did.
"We can't do anything about it and now we should only think about improving".
Marquez, the 2010 125cc world champion, has won seven races this year. He cannot be demoted from second overall and will remain in Moto2 for 2012.
source: crash
