Aldeguer to miss Australian MotoGP, Lecuona steps in for Gresini
NXTbets Pro | Published On: October 19, 2026
Aldeguer setback
Fermin Aldeguer will miss the Australian MotoGP at Phillip Island after Gresini Ducati confirmed he will sit out the race because of the left-hand injury he suffered in the Indonesian Grand Prix. The Spaniard fractured the first metacarpal in his left hand, then underwent successful surgery as he works through the recovery process. Gresini said Aldeguer is aiming to be fit for the Malaysian Grand Prix in less than two weeks, a target that keeps his return within reach if the hand responds well. He was also seen in Jerez with a cast on his left arm. The update shifts the focus at Phillip Island to the rider stepping into the seat and to how Gresini handles the absence. The Australian round will move forward without him, and Gresini will turn to a familiar substitute to keep the No. 54 machine in the field.
Lecuona replacement
Iker Lecuona will take Aldeguer’s place on the No. 54 Ducati at Phillip Island, giving Gresini another chance to lean on a rider who has already filled in for the team this season. The Australian race will be Lecuona’s third MotoGP start of the year for Gresini, following substitute rides at Hungary and Silverstone. That previous experience gives the team some continuity even with the change in personnel, and it puts a rider with recent MotoGP mileage back into a race seat he has already handled this season. Lecuona arrives after a strong WorldSBK campaign, one that ended with a second-place finish in the championship and four race wins. He also closed the Jerez WorldSBK finale with three podium finishes, including two second places and one third, underlining the form he carried into the latest opportunity. Gresini gets a rider coming off a competitive season and a recent run of results, while Lecuona gets another MotoGP chance. The assignment at Phillip Island gives him another opportunity in the premier class.
