Francesco Bagnaia Ruled Out of Qatar Grand Prix

Ducati Lenovo Team rider Francesco Bagnaia has been officially ruled out of Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix. The Italian broke bones in his right foot during a crash on Saturday. The incident happened during the short-distance race at the Lusail International Circuit.

The 29-year-old went to a local hospital in Doha for medical checks on Saturday evening. Doctors confirmed the broken bones. Because of this, he cannot take part in tomorrow’s full Grand Prix.

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What happened in the Qatar sprint race?

The incident took place on Saturday during the sprint race. A sprint is a short, half-distance race held on Saturday afternoons. In this event, riders score fewer world championship points than in the main race. To learn more about how these Saturday races work, read our guide on what a MotoGP sprint race is.

Bagnaia crashed after colliding with BK8 Gresini Racing rider Fermin Aldeguer. Track officials stopped the race straight away. This allowed medical staff to reach the scene quickly and safely.

Race bosses stopped the action with red flags. A red flag tells riders to slow down at once and return carefully to the pit lane. If you are new to racing rules, our guide explains what a red flag means in MotoGP.

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What is Francesco Bagnaia’s medical status?

Bagnaia was first checked at the track medical centre. He was then moved to a hospital in Doha for more tests. Official statements confirmed that he broke bones in his right foot.

Later reports revealed that he fractured the fourth and fifth metatarsals, the long bones in the outer part of the foot. Doctors are deciding if he needs surgery to fix the damage. Team officials have also discussed whether he should fly home to Italy for further treatment.

On a MotoGP bike, riders press the rear brake pedal with their right foot. This puts huge physical strain on the foot during a race. With broken bones, riding safely at high speeds is impossible. For that reason, doctors declared Bagnaia unfit to race on Sunday.

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Where does this leave Bagnaia and Ducati?

Bagnaia won the Moto2 world title in 2018 and the top MotoGP crown in 2022 and 2023. However, he has had a tough 2026 season. Before the Qatar weekend, he sat ninth in the riders’ championship with 173 points. He won one sprint race in Czechia, but he has not won a full Grand Prix this year.

Missing Sunday’s race in Qatar means Bagnaia cannot score any points in the main event. Only two rounds remain after this weekend, in Portugal and Valencia. His main focus will now turn to his recovery.

Marc Marquez will be the only factory Ducati Lenovo Team rider on track on Sunday. The reigning world champion leads the standings with 423 points after winning the sprint. He is the main title favourite going into Sunday’s race. Behind him, Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi still have a mathematical chance to win the championship.

Quick Takeaways

• Francesco Bagnaia will miss Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix after breaking bones in his right foot on Saturday.
• The injury happened in a crash with Fermin Aldeguer, which halted the Saturday sprint with a red flag.
• Bagnaia went to hospital in Doha, where doctors confirmed the fractures and are considering surgery.
• The 29-year-old sits ninth in the standings with 173 points and will score no points on Sunday.
• Teammate Marc Marquez will be the sole Ducati Lenovo Team rider racing in Sunday’s Grand Prix.