MotoGP: Aldeguer misses Phillip Island, Lecuona replaces him
The newsroomUpdated on October 19, 20263 minAfter hand surgery following his Mandalika crash, Fermín Aldeguer misses the Australian MotoGP: Iker Lecuona replaces him at Gresini on the Ducati.
Key point
Gresini has confirmed Iker Lecuona in place of the operated Fermín Aldeguer for the Australian MotoGP round at Phillip Island.
Fermín Aldeguer will not be on the grid for the Australian Grand Prix in MotoGP. Gresini Racing confirmed on 19 October 2026 that its rider, operated on his right hand after his Mandalika crash, is out of Phillip Island. Iker Lecuona will ride the Gresini Ducati for the last Australian Grand Prix at this circuit before MotoGP moves to Adelaide in 2027.
A fracture in Mandalika, surgery in Barcelona
Aldeguer crashed on lap two of the long race at the Indonesian Grand Prix in Mandalika. The diagnosis: a fracture of the first metacarpal of his right hand. He was successfully operated on at the Dexeus university hospital in Barcelona by Dr Xavier Mir's team, the week before the announcement.
It is his third major injury of the season: he fractured his left femur over the winter, which cost him pre-season testing and the Thailand Grand Prix, then injured his spine at Assen.
Lecuona, an experienced stand-in
Lecuona rides for Aruba.it in WorldSBK and has just finished second in the championship behind Nicolò Bulega. It is his third stand-in appearance in MotoGP this season:
- he took Álex Márquez's place at Balaton Park, in Hungary, and finished seventh;
- he replaced Aldeguer at Silverstone;
- he rode full-time in MotoGP in 2020 and 2021 with Tech3 KTM.
He has never raced at Phillip Island on a MotoGP bike, as the event was cancelled during the pandemic. According to Motorsport-Magazin, Gresini chose him because VR46 blocked a possible move for Bulega.
When will Aldeguer be back?
Gresini is aiming for a comeback at the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang, from 30 October to 1 November, according to Motorsport-Magazin, which calls that target optimistic. If his recovery takes longer, the site raises the possibility of Lecuona riding three races in a row, with the Qatar round on the calendar.
Key takeaways
- Aldeguer is absent at Phillip Island after his right-hand surgery.
- Lecuona rides for Gresini on Aldeguer's Ducati.
- The Malaysian Grand Prix is the target date for Aldeguer's return, with no certainty.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Fermín Aldeguer missing the Australian Grand Prix?
He fractured his right hand in a crash at the Indonesian Grand Prix in Mandalika and has been successfully operated on in Barcelona.
Who replaces Aldeguer at Gresini at Phillip Island?
Iker Lecuona, a WorldSBK rider, takes the Gresini Ducati. It is his third stand-in appearance in MotoGP this season.
When can Aldeguer return?
Gresini is aiming for the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang, from 30 October to 1 November, according to Motorsport-Magazin, which calls that target optimistic.
Sources
- Motorsport.com — Aldeguer out of Australia, Lecuona replaces him
- Motorsport Week — Iker Lecuona confirmed to replace Fermín Aldeguer
- Motorsport-Magazin — Aldeguer absence confirmed, Lecuona rides for Gresini
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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