Ducati Lenovo Team MotoGP rider Francesco Bagnaia underwent successful surgery this morning on his right foot to treat fractures sustained in Qatar. His rehabilitation will begin as soon as possible, with no return date set at this time.
Francesco Bagnaia underwent successful surgery this morning to treat the double fracture of the fourth and fifth metatarsals in his right foot, sustained following a highside crash in the early laps of the Qatar Grand Prix Sprint last Saturday.
The medical team led by Dr. Luigi Milano at the Humanitas Cellini Clinic in Turin successfully implanted a plate in the fourth metatarsal bone of his right foot. The Ducati Lenovo Team rider will begin his rehabilitation as soon as possible. The progress of his recovery over the next few days will determine the precise timeline for his return to competition.
What happened in Lusail
It all started with the Tissot Sprint race held Saturday evening at the Lusail International Circuit. Bagnaia, then in fourth place, was hit from behind by Fermín Aldeguer (Gresini Racing), who misjudged his braking in turn 16 after launching an attack on Pedro Acosta. The contact launched the number 63 Ducati into the air: Bagnaia suffered a violent highside and was ejected from his machine before being stretchered off the track while the red flag was waved.
Initial examinations at the circuit's medical center revealed two fractures in his right foot, affecting the fourth and fifth metatarsals, as confirmed by MotoGP medical director Ángel Charte . The rider was then transferred to a hospital in Doha for further tests to determine if surgery was necessary.
The Italian, a two-time MotoGP world champion (2022, 2023), therefore withdrew from the Qatar Grand Prix held the following day, where Marco Bezzecchi won ahead of Marc Márquez . This is his first absence from a race since the Austrian double-header at the start of the 2020 season, when he missed due to a knee injury.
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Francesco Bagnaia's season ends in suspense
The 2026 championship isn't over yet: after Qatar, two rounds remain on the calendar, Portimão (November 20-22) and then Valencia (November 27-29). This is precisely what makes the question of his return so crucial, as the duration of his absence has not yet been determined. Ducati's manager, Davide Tardozzi , expressed optimism, stating he was convinced Bagnaia would be back for the final round and not ruling out a return as early as Portugal.
The stakes go beyond just the current season's standings.
Francesco Bagnaia will leave Ducati for Aprilia in 2027, with the first test scheduled for December 1st: missing Valencia would complicate the preparation for this new adventure.
The Piedmontese driver had himself sought to reassure people on social media, in his own way: "What can I say? I'll be back very soon, guys."
It's strange to say, but Qatar was actually one of my best weekends of the season.
Unfortunately, sometimes, no matter how hard you try to turn things around, things just don't go your way. And there's nothing you can do about it.
I'm really sorry, but I want to focus on the positives from this weekend, because we spent far too much time being frustrated.
Thank you all for your messages. I'm doing well.
The main focus for the coming days remains: the successful completion of the rehabilitation and the assessment of the load that the right foot will be able to bear when getting back on the motorcycle.
MotoGP Operation Bagnaia
