Francesco Bagnaia will miss the 2026 MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix. MotoGP confirmed on November 7 that he had fractured the fourth and fifth metatarsals of his right foot in the Sprint accident. Ducati’s subsequent post-race release said he would return to Italy in the following hours for surgery.
Hit at Turn 16 on lap one, with no restart
The accident happened at Turn 16, Lusail’s final corner, on the first lap after the initial start. Aldeguer braked too late while trying to pass Acosta on the inside and hit the rear of Bagnaia’s bike ahead, throwing the Ducati rider off. The race was red-flagged and Bagnaia was carried from the gravel on a stretcher. MotoGP initially confirmed that he was conscious and talking. He did not join the ten-lap restart, and Aldeguer received a double long-lap penalty for causing the accident.
From circuit assessment to the decision for surgery in Italy
MotoGP Medical Director Angel Charte initially said examinations at the circuit medical centre had identified two fractures and that Bagnaia would go to a Doha hospital for further assessment of whether surgery was required. Ducati’s later announcement advanced the next step to surgery in Italy, with recovery monitored to assess a possible return.
Marquez becomes Ducati’s sole Sunday entrant
The injury ends a weekend in which Bagnaia had qualified fifth and leaves Marc Marquez as Ducati Lenovo’s sole Sunday entrant. Ducati will monitor his recovery to assess a possible return; no specific comeback date has been announced.
In the team’s release after his win, Marquez said his thoughts were with Pecco and that he hoped his team mate was all right after the crash. The riders ended the day in very different circumstances: Marquez had won the Sprint and earned a Sunday title opportunity, while Bagnaia faced a return to Italy for treatment.
