Ducati has officially announced that reigning world champion Marc Marquez will not be replaced for this weekend’s Catalan Grand Prix, following his recent surgeries. Marquez, who suffered a fractured right foot in a sprint race crash at the French Grand Prix, has also undergone a brought-forward operation on his right shoulder due to ongoing nerve issues from a previous injury.
With Marquez recovering, Ducati will field only Pecco Bagnaia as the factory team’s representative in Barcelona. The team is not required to name a substitute unless Marquez’s absence extends over multiple rounds. Test rider Michele Pirro, often the go-to stand-in, will not be drafted as he is focusing on the development of Ducati’s 2027 850cc project, while World Superbike’s Nicolo Bulega is unavailable due to racing commitments in Czechia.
Ducati’s statement leaves a slim possibility for Marquez to attempt Friday practice in Barcelona, though his return is more realistically targeted for the Italian Grand Prix later this month. Team boss Davide Tardozzi emphasized the team’s focus on Marquez’s well-being: “Marc will not participate in next week’s Catalan GP. The whole Ducati Lenovo Team sends him their best wishes. We couldn’t agree more on this: his health remains the priority.”
As Ducati heads to Barcelona with a single entry, all eyes will be on Bagnaia to lead the charge while Marquez focuses on recovery.
