MotoGP reported on October 19 that Iker Lecuona will replace the recovering Fermín Aldeguer at Gresini for the Australian Grand Prix weekend at Phillip Island on October 23–25.
WorldSBK's same-day report added that Aldeguer underwent surgery for a fracture at the base of the first metacarpal in his right hand after his Mandalika crash and remains in recovery. Lecuona takes over Gresini's No. 54 Ducati.
Quoting Gresini's social statement, the report said Aldeguer would miss Australia and was working toward the following Malaysian round. Malaysia is a return target, not confirmed participation.
Lecuona has just finished the 2026 WorldSBK season as runner-up and already made two Gresini MotoGP appearances this year. In June he replaced Álex Márquez in Hungary and finished seventh in the race.
Gresini's June 7 report also recorded that seventh place. Lecuona said the team helped him settle quickly and he developed good feel late in the race, giving this latest replacement an actual racing background.
WorldSBK also noted that he replaced Aldeguer at the British Grand Prix in August without scoring. Australia's replacement is confirmed; Aldeguer's possible Malaysian return awaits further recovery and entry confirmation.
