LECUONA TO REPLACE INJURED ALDEGUER AT PHILLIP ISLAND

Iker Lecuona will step in for Fermin Aldeguer at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix, with Gresini confirming the Spaniard’s absence on Monday. Aldeguer fractured his right hand in a crash during the Indonesian GP. He underwent successful surgery in Barcelona last week, with the break fixed using screws, and was seen at the WorldSBK season finale in Jerez wearing a cast.

Gresini said Aldeguer would miss Phillip Island as he works towards a possible return at the Malaysian GP, scheduled for the week after Australia. The team confirmed: “Fermin Aldeguer will not take part in the Australian GP,” adding that “Iker Lecuona will once again be aboard the Ducati #54. Fermin is working to try to be fit to race in Malaysia in less than two weeks.”

Lecuona will join Alex Marquez at Gresini for the race. The Australian round will be his third MotoGP appearance for the team this season: he previously replaced a rider in Hungary and Britain. He finished seventh in Hungary, while he failed to finish either race at Silverstone.

The call-up follows a strong WorldSBK campaign for Lecuona, who finished second in the championship with four race victories. He ended the season in Jerez with three podiums, placing third in Race 1 and second in both Sunday races.

Aldeguer, the winner of the 2025 Indonesian GP, is set to miss the final MotoGP visit to Phillip Island before the series moves to Adelaide next season. Gresini will hope his recovery allows him to return in Malaysia.