Marc Marquez has stepped up his rehabilitation following shoulder surgery as he bids to return to full fitness in time for MotoGP pre-season testing next month.

The reigning MotoGP world champion underwent left shoulder surgery at the start of December immediately after wrapping up post-season tests at Jerez with Repsol Honda.

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Following his surgery a six-week recovery timetable was confirmed to ensure Marquez would be close to full fitness in time for the opening 2019 shakedown test at Sepang on February 1-3 before the first official pre-season test on February 6-8 at the same venue.

The 25-year-old underwent the first stage of his rehabilitation at his Cervera home while celebrating Christmas and New Year with his family.

Working with physiotherapist Carlos Garcia, who is part of MotoGP’s Clinica Mobile medical team, Marquez has increased his rehabilitation programme to strengthen his shoulder.

The Repsol Honda rider suffered a recurring shoulder dislocation problem throughout the 2018 season - including during his title celebrations in Motegi when congratulated by Scott Redding plus a qualifying crash at the season finale in Valencia.

“Recovery [will take] all the winter,” Marquez said before surgery at the Jerez test. “Because it's a long recovery, and I will not arrive at Malaysia maybe 100%, it will be tight.

“So all the winter will be concentrated on my shoulder, and then I will have all of February and March to work about my physical condition.”

Marquez will take part in Repsol Honda’s team launch in Madrid on January 23, alongside new team-mate Jorge Lorenzo, before heading to Malaysia for pre-season testing.