News Summary
- Álex Márquez confirmed he will miss the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix after deciding to undergo surgery on his injured right shoulder in Madrid on Monday.
- The Gresini Ducati rider has struggled with pain since fracturing his collarbone in May, requiring medication and injections to continue racing.
- Márquez finished third in Malaysia despite his physical limitations and is targeting a return at the Portuguese Grand Prix later in November.
Álex Márquez has confirmed that he will miss next weekend’s Qatar MotoGP Grand Prix to undergo surgery on his right shoulder, bringing forward an operation originally planned for the end of the 2026 season. The Gresini Ducati rider announced the decision after finishing third in Sunday’s (November 1) Malaysian Grand Prix, explaining that the pain from his earlier collarbone injury had become increasingly difficult to manage.
The Spaniard will travel to Madrid for surgery on Monday, with doctors planning to remove the metal plate inserted following his crash at the Catalan Grand Prix in May and treat inflammation in the shoulder.
Márquez reveals extent of injury after Sepang podium
Márquez fractured his right collarbone and damaged his shoulder in a heavy crash at Barcelona earlier this season. Although he returned to competition, the injury continued to restrict his movement and physical preparation.
The Spaniard revealed that he has been racing with painkillers and injections, but the treatment has become less effective as the championship approaches its final rounds.
Speaking after the Malaysian Grand Prix, Márquez confirmed that the demands of three consecutive race weekends had become unsustainable.
He explained that the procedure would involve removing the plate from his collarbone and addressing the inflammation and fluid accumulation affecting his shoulder.
The operation effectively combines two procedures, with doctors also assessing the extent of the remaining damage.
Márquez admitted that the injury has prevented him from completing normal physical training between races, leaving the affected shoulder significantly weakened.
The decision follows a weekend in which he secured pole position at Sepang ahead of brother Marc Márquez and Pedro Acosta.
However, he crashed while leading Saturday’s sprint and acknowledged that his physical condition made it difficult to sustain the necessary pace.
Gresini rider targets Portugal return after missing Qatar
Despite the difficulties, Márquez recovered to finish third in Sunday’s race, behind winner Marc Márquez and second-placed Pedro Acosta.
The result marked his first Grand Prix podium since Misano and provided a positive end to his Malaysian weekend before the operation.
Márquez will not participate in the Qatar Grand Prix, scheduled for November 6–8, and hopes to return at Portimão for the Portuguese Grand Prix.
His recovery will depend on the outcome of Monday’s surgery and subsequent medical assessments.
The Spaniard also wants to be fit for the season-ending Valencian Grand Prix and the post-season test, where he is expected to begin preparations for his move to KTM in 2027.
Gresini has not yet confirmed who will replace Márquez in Qatar. The team is already dealing with the absence of Fermín Aldeguer, who has been recovering from a hand injury.
The Qatar event itself remains scheduled to proceed despite continuing discussions over regional security concerns.
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