Marco Bezzecchi
Francesco Bagnaia has admitted that Ducati are missing Marc Marquez after he suffered another dismal weekend at the French Grand Prix.
The factory Ducati team have had a rough start to the 2026 season, with the team still waiting for their first Grand Prix podium of the year. Now, the situation is even more critical as Marquez suffered a violent highside in the Sprint race at Le Mans.
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Marquez has since undergone a double surgery on his right shoulder and foot and has been ruled out of the Catalan Grand Prix this weekend. The French Grand Prix saw Ducati score no points, with Marquez missing the race and Bagnaia crashing out.
The Italian secured pole position and finished second in the Sprint race, marking his third P2 finish in a row on Saturday. However, he lost the front in the closing stages and retired from the Grand Prix, marking his eighth retirement in the last 10 races.
Francesco Bagnaia says Ducati ‘need’ Marc Marquez as he wishes him well after Le Mans crash
Bagnaia was seen kicking objects at the side of the track after his crash on Sunday. Fans had never seen the two-time champion so angry before, with him now without a podium in the last 10 races.
His form, along with Marquez’s injuries, has been damaging for Ducati and their title defence. Speaking after the French GP, Bagnaia admitted that his teammate was a huge loss for the team and he hopes to see him back on track soon.
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He told Motorsport Espana: “I’m very sorry about Marc. It’s a real shame what’s happened to him. What’s been happening to him since last year, since he got injured in Indonesia.
It’s certainly a tough ordeal that will end soon, and when he comes back, he’ll be back because he’s 100%, I’m sure of it,” he said.
“And he’ll be ready to fight again. We need him. I hope he’s back soon.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Francesco Bagnaia from net worth to race number
Toprak Razgatlioglu and Jorge Martin send messages to Marc Marquez after successful surgery
Marquez posted on his official Instagram account after his surgery in Spain, writing: “The surgery was a success! I’m truly grateful for your kind messages and support. A special thanks to the medical team for their incredible work.”
Fellow MotoGP riders took to the comments to wish him the best with his rehabilitation, including Pramac’s Toprak Razgatlioglu.
The Turkish rider wrote: “Get well soon Champ.” French GP Sprint and main race winner, Jorge Martin, also wished Marquez well, writing in Spanish: “Legendary spirit.”
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