The Italian rider of the Ducati Team, Francesco Bagnaia, will not compete in the Qatar Grand Prix due to an accident he suffered during the sprint race last Saturday, which has resulted in fractures in his right foot.
The injury, affecting the fourth and fifth metatarsals, has raised great concern for his season, as the need for possible surgery is being evaluated. Initially, Bagnaia will not be able to participate in the race on Sunday, and his immediate future is uncertain.
The incident occurred when Fermin Aldeguer from Gresini Ducati lost control of his motorcycle while braking and hit Bagnaia, lifting him into the air. This accident led to the red flag, and the race was restarted without Bagnaia, ending a weekend that had begun with high expectations for the rider.
After the accident, Bagnaia was attended by MotoGP medical director, Dr. Angel Charte, who confirmed the fractures after a preliminary evaluation at the medical center of the Losail International Circuit. Ducati issued a statement indicating that the rider will be transferred to the hospital in Doha for further tests and to determine the appropriate treatment.
With only two race weekends remaining in the MotoGP calendar, Bagnaia’s recovery options could benefit from a two-week gap before the double-header in the Iberian Peninsula that will close the season. However, his situation with Ducati, which has marked two difficult seasons, may have reached a turning point, especially with his upcoming switch to Aprilia next season.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
