Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez is recovering from injury after a crash with Marco Bezzecchi at Mandalika, but his return to the saddle of his Ducati is currently unknown.
Bezzecchi wiped out Marquez on the opening lap of the Indonesian Grand Prix, sending both riders flying into the gravel trap. The Ducati rider landed on his right shoulder, with many fearing he had sustained serious injury, as it was the same arm that had been injured at Jerez in 2020.
The Spaniard suffered ligament damage to his right collarbone, with it initially being reported that he would not require surgery. However, after further checks in Madrid, Marquez underwent surgery and is now focused on his recovery.
Marquez’s doctor predicted a 16-week recovery due to how complicated the injury is. Michael Laverty warned that Marquez’s injury can be ‘career-ending at times’, highlighting the need for Ducati to rest him for 2026.
Carlo Pernat ‘scared’ by Marc Marquez’s injury after Ducati confirm surgery and further absences
Marquez missed the Australian Grand Prix last weekend, with Ducati test rider Michele Pirro replacing him. The Borgo Panigale outfit suffered a disaster at Phillip Island as the factory team scored no points, with Francesco Bagnaia crashing out for the second race in a row.
Pirro will replace Marquez at the Malaysian Grand Prix this weekend, with the following race at Portimao also being a doubt for the 32-year-old. Carlo Pernat has admitted he is ‘scared’ by the new updates on his injury.
He told MOW: “I’m actually worried. The injury he suffered isn’t as minor as they’ve described it, and that arm is the same one that cost him four years of hell.
“Initially, they said he wouldn’t have surgery, but then he did. Now they’ve announced he won’t be in Portugal either, and I have the feeling there’s little hope for Valencia either. It seems like a familiar story. I don’t know, I wish Marc the best, but I’m a little scared.
“Besides, it would be understandable if he got tired of always having to suffer like a beast, and maybe, even though I don’t think this could happen to someone like him, having already achieved the goal of another world championship, he might even let up for a moment. Or find some other motivation.
Ducati have a date in mind for Marc Marquez’s return, but who will replace him in the final races?
Davide Tardozzi says Ducati are planning for Marquez to return in Valencia so he can take part in the post-season test. It will be an opportunity for the Ant of Cervera to test the 2026 bike.
However, with the 2025 title already wrapped up, it may be wise for the team to let Marquez rest and return in 2026. If his doctor’s prediction is accurate, he will be fully fit by the Sepang test in February.
With Portimao being unlikely for the 32-year-old, Ducati could call upon Pirro again, but there is another option that has emerged. WSBK rider Nicolo Bulega would be interested in replacing Marquez if he can conduct a test before the Portuguese Grand Prix.
The Italian has never ridden a MotoGP bike, hence why Bulega turned down the chance to race in Malaysia. However, if a test can be arranged, Ducati may give him an early debut ahead of his test and reserve role in 2026.
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