Francesco Bagnaia has successfully undergone surgery to repair double fractures in his right foot, a significant setback stemming from a chaotic incident during Saturday’s MotoGP sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix. The Italian champion was caught in a chain reaction when Fermin Aldeguer outbraked himself while attempting to overtake Pedro Acosta, causing the Gresini rider’s front wheel to strike the rear of Bagnaia’s Ducati. The impact launched Bagnaia spectacularly through the air before he landed heavily on the track, immediately raising fears for the reigning world champion’s physical condition.
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Medical examinations in Doha confirmed that Bagnaia sustained fractures to the fourth and fifth metatarsals in his right foot. Although the initial crash footage was alarming, television feeds quickly showed the 26-year-old conscious and stable, allowing medical teams to focus on immediate stabilization and subsequent surgical intervention. Team manager Davide Tardozzi confirmed the procedure went well, noting that Bagnaia will begin his rehabilitation program as soon as medically feasible, prioritizing a rapid return to competitive form.
While no definitive return date has been announced, the Ducati team is targeting the next round of the 2026 MotoGP season in Portimao, scheduled for 20-22 November. This timeline suggests an aggressive recovery plan, with Bagnaia aiming to be race-ready within weeks of the operation. The focus now shifts to intensive physiotherapy and strength training, as the team works to ensure the Italian can regain the necessary lower-body strength to manage the physical demands of the Ducati Desmosedici GP.
Source: Yahoo Sports
