MotoGP: Bagnaia has foot surgery, Valencia return in doubt
The newsroomUpdated on November 10, 20263 minPecco Bagnaia has undergone successful surgery in Turin on a double fracture of his right foot suffered in the Qatar sprint; Ducati gives no return date.
Key point
Francesco Bagnaia has had successful surgery on a double fracture of his right foot; Ducati gives no return date, with Portimão and Valencia still to come.
Francesco Bagnaia underwent successful surgery on his right foot on Tuesday, three days after his heavy crash in the Qatar Grand Prix sprint in MotoGP. Ducati has not announced a date for his return to racing, however.
The operation
The procedure took place at the Humanitas Cellini clinic in Turin, led by Dr Luigi Milano. It aimed to fix the double fracture of the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones of the right foot. The surgeons secured a plate to the fourth metatarsal. The Ducati Lenovo Team rider will begin rehabilitation as soon as possible, and his recovery progress over the coming days will determine the exact timeline for his return.
How the crash happened
On Saturday at Lusail, Bagnaia, then fourth in the sprint, was hit from behind by Fermín Aldeguer (Gresini Racing), who misjudged his braking at the last corner while attacking Pedro Acosta. The Ducati rider suffered a highside and was taken away on a stretcher, and the red flag was shown. Aldeguer received a double long lap penalty for the restarted sprint. According to Crash.net, Bagnaia was having one of his better weekends of the season: he had qualified fifth. He was later ruled out of the Grand Prix.
What does the rest of the season look like?
Two rounds remain in the 2026 championship:
- the Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimão, from 20 to 22 November;
- the Valencia Grand Prix, from 27 to 29 November.
According to Paddock GP, Ducati manager Davide Tardozzi said he was convinced Bagnaia would be back for the final round, without ruling out a return as early as Portugal.
What is at stake for 2027
Bagnaia leaves Ducati for Aprilia in 2027, with a first test scheduled for 1 December. Missing Valencia would complicate preparation for that new chapter, Paddock GP notes. He has just two races left as a Ducati rider, adds Crash.net. The length of his absence has not been set: rehabilitation and how much load the foot can bear will decide what comes next.
The editorial team
Frequently asked questions
What injury did Bagnaia suffer?
A double fracture of the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones of his right foot, after a highside early in the Qatar Grand Prix sprint.
When can Bagnaia return?
Ducati has given no date: it all depends on how his recovery progresses over the coming days.
Which races remain in 2026?
The Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimão from 20 to 22 November, then Valencia from 27 to 29 November.
Sources
- Crash.net — Ducati issues fresh Bagnaia surgery update
- Paddock GP — successful operation for Bagnaia in Turin, back at Valencia?
- GP-Inside — Bagnaia successfully operated on right foot
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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