Francesco Bagnaia has successfully undergone surgery to repair a double fracture in his right foot following a crash during the Qatar Grand Prix sprint race. The Ducati rider aims to return for the next round in Portimao, though no definitive comeback date has been established yet.
The Crash in Qatar
The incident occurred during Saturday’s sprint race at Losail when Bagnaia was caught up in a multi-rider collision. As Fermin Aldeguer attempted an overtaking maneuver on Pedro Acosta, the Gresini rider outbraked himself and collided with the rear of Bagnaia’s Ducati.
The impact launched Bagnaia through the air before he landed heavily on the racing surface. Television broadcasts quickly confirmed that the Italian rider remained conscious following the severe accident.
Initial medical evaluations revealed fractures to the fourth and fifth metatarsals in his right foot. Transported to a hospital in Doha, doctors determined he required surgery back in Italy, forcing him to miss Sunday’s main Grand Prix.
Successful Operation in Turin
The surgical procedure took place at the Humanitas Cellini Clinic in Turin, led by Dr. Luigi Milano. According to a statement from Ducati reported by Autosport.com, the medical team successfully attached a fixation plate to the fourth metatarsal of his right foot.
“Francesco Bagnaia underwent successful surgery this morning to repair a double fracture of the fourth and fifth metatarsals in his right foot, sustained following a crash during the opening laps of last Saturday’s Sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix,” the manufacturer stated.
“The Ducati Lenovo Team rider will begin his rehabilitation as soon as possible. His progress over the next few days will determine the exact timeline for his return to competition,” the team added.
Targeting a Portimao Return
Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi noted that the initial goal is for Bagnaia to recover in time for the Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimao, scheduled for 20-22 November, with Valencia set as a fallback option.
“At the latest, he will undergo surgery on Tuesday morning, so we will try to get it done as soon as possible because his intention is undoubtedly to try to be in Portugal,” Tardozzi told Sky Sport MotoGP, as reported by Autosport.com.
“Obviously, we cannot make that decision now, because he first has to undergo surgery and the doctors have to give us the green light. We also need to see how his recovery progresses after the operation, but Pecco’s intention when we left him at the airport was to be in Portimao,” he concluded.
