Francesco Bagnaia has undergone successful surgery following a heavy crash during the Qatar Grand Prix Sprint, leaving his hopes of returning before the end of the 2026 MotoGP season uncertain.
The Ducati Lenovo rider suffered fractures to the fourth and fifth metatarsals in his right foot after being involved in an opening-lap incident at Lusail International Circuit on Saturday.
The crash happened when Gresini rider Fermín Aldeguer lost control while attempting an overtake on Pedro Acosta, making contact with the rear of Bagnaia's Ducati and sending the Italian flying off his motorcycle. The incident brought out the red flag, while Bagnaia was taken away on a stretcher for medical attention.
Initial examinations confirmed the two fractures, ruling him out of Sunday's Qatar Grand Prix. He was subsequently transferred to Italy for further treatment.
Source: Motorcycle News
Ducati later confirmed that Bagnaia underwent successful surgery in Turin on Tuesday, November 10. The medical team inserted a plate to stabilise the fracture in his fourth metatarsal, while the rider will begin rehabilitation as soon as possible.
However, the team has yet to provide a confirmed timeline for his return, with his recovery over the coming days expected to determine when he can race again.
With only two rounds remaining on the 2026 calendar, Bagnaia is hoping to recover in time for the Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimão from November 20 to 22. The season will then conclude with the Valencia Grand Prix from November 27 to 29.
Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi previously indicated that returning for the Portuguese round was Bagnaia's initial target, although his fitness and medical clearance will ultimately determine whether that is possible.
The injury is another frustrating setback for the Italian, who had shown encouraging signs of progress in Qatar before the accident. He secured direct entry into Q2 during Friday practice before qualifying fifth on the grid, putting himself in a promising position for the Sprint.
Bagnaia's crash also comes at an important point in his career, with the two-time MotoGP world champion preparing to leave Ducati for Aprilia in 2027. With just two races remaining this season, he will be hoping to make at least one more appearance with the team before the end of their partnership.
For now, his priority remains recovering from the injury, with his chances of returning to the grid dependent on how quickly his foot heals.
