News Summary
- Fermín Aldeguer is out of the Australian MotoGP Grand Prix after undergoing surgery on a fractured right hand.
- Iker Lecuona will replace him on Gresini’s Ducati #54, making his third substitute appearance for the team in 2026.
- Aldeguer is targeting a return at the Malaysian GP, although his recovery and medical clearance remain uncertain.
Fermín Aldeguer will miss the 2026 Australian MotoGP Grand Prix at Phillip Island after failing to recover from a hand injury sustained in Indonesia, with Gresini confirming that World Superbike runner-up Iker Lecuona will replace him on the No. 54 Ducati this weekend.
The Italian team announced the change on Monday, October 19, after Aldeguer underwent surgery for a fracture at the base of the first metacarpal bone in his right hand. The Spaniard suffered the injury when he crashed on the second lap of the Indonesian Grand Prix at Mandalika and subsequently returned to Barcelona for treatment.
Gresini had initially left open the possibility of Aldeguer competing in Australia, but the rider’s recovery has not progressed sufficiently for him to return to action. The team’s new target is the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang on October 30–November 1, although his participation will depend on further medical assessments.
“Fermin Aldeguer will not take part in the Australian GP,” Gresini announced.
“Iker Lecuona will once again be aboard the Ducati #54. Fermin is working to try to be fit to race in Malaysia in less than two weeks.”
Aldeguer targets Malaysia after surgery on fractured hand
Aldeguer’s latest setback follows a difficult season marked by several injuries.
The Spaniard missed the opening round in Thailand after fracturing his left femur during pre-season preparations. He later sustained a T7 vertebra injury at Assen, forcing him to miss further Grands Prix before returning to competition.
His latest injury occurred at Mandalika, where he fell at Turn 16 during the opening stages of the race.
Although the accident initially appeared relatively minor, subsequent medical examinations revealed a fracture requiring surgery. Aldeguer underwent an operation in Barcelona under the supervision of specialist Dr Xavier Mir.
Speaking during the WorldSBK weekend at Jerez, the Gresini rider acknowledged that the latest setback had complicated his season.
“I had bad luck this year, now with my hand,” Aldeguer said.
He explained that returning at Sepang remained the immediate objective, but cautioned that recovery could not be rushed.
“It’s less than one week after the injury so we have to stay calm and see if I can be back in Malaysia. It’s our first goal. We will see.”
The injury means Aldeguer will miss Phillip Island’s final MotoGP Grand Prix before the Australian round moves to Adelaide in 2027.
Lecuona returns to MotoGP after WorldSBK runner-up finish
Gresini has again turned to Iker Lecuona, who has become Ducati’s preferred substitute when its MotoGP riders are unavailable.
The 26-year-old recently completed the 2026 World Superbike Championship with Aruba.it Racing Ducati, finishing runner-up behind teammate Nicolò Bulega.
Lecuona’s campaign included competitive performances throughout the season, although Bulega dominated the championship and secured 32 victories in 36 races.
As GRANDE PRÊMIO reported following the Jerez finale, Bulega concluded his WorldSBK career with 52 victories, matching Troy Bayliss before his promotion to MotoGP with VR46 in 2027.
For Lecuona, the Australian Grand Prix offers an immediate return to the premier class just days after completing his WorldSBK commitments.
The Spaniard previously competed full-time in MotoGP with Tech3 KTM during the 2020 and 2021 seasons before moving to WorldSBK with Honda.
His experience of both championships has made him a valuable replacement option for Ducati during 2026.
Lecuona makes third Gresini appearance of 2026
The Australian Grand Prix will be Lecuona’s third substitute appearance for Gresini this season.
He first returned to MotoGP at the Hungarian Grand Prix, replacing Álex Márquez after the Spaniard suffered injuries in a serious crash at Barcelona.
Lecuona finished seventh at Balaton Park, securing one of the strongest results achieved by a substitute rider during the season.
He returned again at the British Grand Prix in August, this time replacing Aldeguer while the Spaniard recovered from his vertebra injury. However, Lecuona retired from both the sprint and the main race at Silverstone.
Phillip Island will therefore provide another opportunity to compete on Ducati’s GP25, a motorcycle he has already raced on two different circuits.
The Australian venue presents a demanding challenge because of its high-speed corners, changing weather conditions and considerable emphasis on tyre management.
Lecuona will join Álex Márquez in the Gresini garage for the weekend, while Aldeguer continues his recovery in Spain.
Phillip Island prepares for final MotoGP weekend
The Australian Grand Prix takes place from October 23–25, marking MotoGP’s final appearance at Phillip Island before the championship relocates to Adelaide next season.
The farewell weekend will include special celebrations involving Australian world champions Casey Stoner, Mick Doohan and Wayne Gardner.
As GRANDE PRÊMIO reported in its preview of the event, the three champions will participate in a ceremonial lap before Sunday’s Grand Prix, with Kevin Schwantz also joining the celebrations.
The American recently reflected on his difficult history at the circuit, admitting that failing to finish either of his two Phillip Island races remains one of his greatest regrets.
Schwantz’s reflections on Phillip Island form part of the championship’s wider farewell programme.
MotoGP will then travel to Malaysia for the next round, where Aldeguer hopes to return.
The complete Australian Grand Prix schedule includes practice, qualifying, sprint and race times for the main international markets.
