Gresini confirms Aldeguer’s Qatar MotoGP return as Lecuona replaces Álex Márquez
Gresini will field Fermín Aldeguer and Iker Lecuona at the Qatar Grand Prix, providing two additional confirmed names for a MotoGP weekend affected by Yamaha’s withdrawal and multiple injuries.
News Summary
- Fermín Aldeguer will return to MotoGP at the Qatar Grand Prix, having recovered sufficiently from the hand fracture sustained in Indonesia.
- Iker Lecuona has been confirmed as Álex Márquez’s replacement, with the Spaniard recovering from surgery.
- The two Gresini riders increase the number of announced participants to 15, although medical clearances and further replacement decisions will determine the final starting grid.
Gresini has confirmed that Fermín Aldeguer will return to MotoGP competition at the Qatar Grand Prix on November 6–8, with Iker Lecuona replacing the injured Álex Márquez in the team’s second Ducati. The announcement provides a welcome boost to the entry list at Lusail, where Yamaha’s withdrawal and several injuries have raised the possibility of an unusually small starting grid.
The Italian outfit will therefore maintain its two-rider line-up, although the final composition of the field remains uncertain ahead of Friday’s opening practice session.
Aldeguer returns after missing Australia and Malaysia
Aldeguer has been sidelined since suffering a fracture at the base of the first metacarpal bone in his right hand during the Indonesian Grand Prix.
The injury required surgery and prevented him from competing at Phillip Island and Sepang.
Gresini has now announced that the 21-year-old is fit to return to action and will travel to Qatar ahead of the weekend.
His comeback is particularly important for a team that has been dealing with injuries to both its regular riders.
The Spaniard is preparing to complete his final races with Gresini before joining VR46 for the 2027 season.
Lecuona takes over Álex Márquez’s Ducati
Lecuona will continue his substitute duties with Gresini, having already made several appearances for the team during the 2026 championship.
However, he will now occupy the motorcycle normally ridden by Álex Márquez rather than Aldeguer’s machine.
Márquez underwent surgery after the Malaysian Grand Prix to address persistent problems involving his right collarbone and shoulder.
The procedure included removing fixation material and treating inflammation that had caused discomfort throughout the season.
The Spaniard hopes to return at the Portuguese Grand Prix later in November.
Lecuona’s previous appearances with Gresini have provided valuable experience with Ducati machinery.
He achieved a seventh-place finish during one of his substitute outings, demonstrating his ability to compete for points despite limited preparation.
The World Superbike rider is also preparing to join Franco Morbidelli at VR46 in 2027.
Qatar entry list grows but uncertainty remains
Gresini’s announcement changes the participation picture for the Qatar Grand Prix.
A previous assessment by GRANDE PRÊMIO identified 13 riders whose participation had been confirmed.
With Aldeguer and Lecuona now added, the number of announced participants rises to 15.
However, the total could increase further.
Raúl Fernández is expected to travel to Lusail and undergo medical assessment following his finger injury.
Jorge Martín also faces a medical evaluation after the fracture sustained during the Australian Grand Prix weekend.
Meanwhile, Honda has yet to confirm whether Joan Mir will participate, with Jake Dixon reportedly being considered as a replacement.
The British rider could return to MotoGP for the first time since 2021.
Yamaha’s four entries remain absent because of company-wide travel restrictions associated with the security situation in the Middle East.
The championship has maintained that Ducati, Aprilia, KTM and Honda intend to participate.
The final number of riders will depend on medical clearances and any additional changes before the weekend.
Gresini prepares for Lusail amid championship uncertainty
The Qatar Grand Prix arrives at an important moment in the 2026 championship.
Marc Márquez leads Jorge Martín by 44 points and has his first opportunity to secure the world title at Lusail.
Martín’s fitness remains a significant factor in the championship battle, particularly with only a limited number of rounds remaining.
The Grand Prix is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, with qualifying and the sprint taking place on Saturday.
GRANDE PRÊMIO is following every session of the Qatar Grand Prix this weekend, with breaking news, full coverage and real-time updates in its MotoGP section.
