- Alex Marquez will miss the Italian GP at Mugello (May 29–31) and the Hungarian GP at Balaton Park (June 5–7)
- Diagnosis: fractured right collarbone (surgically stabilized with a plate) and a marginal fracture of the C7 cervical vertebra
- Earliest possible return at the Czech GP in Brno on June 19–21
The injury absence of Alex Marquez was only a matter of official confirmation after the images from last Sunday. On May 21, Gresini Racing announced via social media that the 30-year-old Spaniard must miss at least the next two Grands Prix. The team published a photo showing Marquez wearing a neck brace and arm sling, accompanied by two team members.
What Exactly Happened at the Catalan GP?
The accident occurred on lap 12 of the race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Pedro Acosta was leading the race at the time when his KTM RC16 suffered an electrical problem while exiting Turn 9. The factory motorcycle lost power abruptly on the straight between Turns 9 and 10 and slowed down drastically.
Alex Marquez was following Acosta at close range and had no chance to react in time. The Gresini rider crashed at full speed into the rear of the KTM. The impact sent Marquez and his Ducati Desmosedici GP26 flying off to the right of the track. While Marquez initially remained in the saddle, he was shortly afterwards catapulted from his motorcycle as the Ducati tumbled through the air multiple times.
Marquez slid across the grass alongside the track, and his motorcycle was completely destroyed in the process. Debris was scattered across the entire track surface and struck several following riders. Fabio Di Giannantonio was hit by a detached wheel with the fork still attached and crashed as a result. Raul Fernandez and Johann Zarco were also struck by parts of the disintegrated Ducati.
What Injuries Did Alex Marquez Sustain?
Hospital examinations revealed a fractured right collarbone and a marginal fracture of the C7 cervical vertebra, the lowest cervical vertebra at the junction with the thoracic spine. The collarbone was surgically fixed with a plate on Sunday evening at Hospital General de Catalunya. The operation was performed by doctors Anna Carreras, David Benito, and Paula Barragan and was successful according to Gresini.
The vertebral fracture at C7 was not immediately operated on. According to an earlier team statement, Marquez was to undergo further examinations during the week to determine the next steps. The Gresini statement from Thursday did not address the vertebral fracture or a specific recovery plan, however.
On Monday, Marquez was able to leave the hospital. On Tuesday, he returned to Madrid, where he is recovering alongside his older brother Marc Marquez. The nine-time world champion had suffered a broken foot from a highside at the French GP a week earlier and additionally underwent surgery on a pre-existing shoulder injury. Marc Marquez subsequently missed the Catalan GP, and whether he will be fit in time for the Italian GP at Mugello has not yet been confirmed by Ducati.
What Happens Next for the Gresini Team?
Alex Marquez was by far the stronger rider in the Gresini team during the 2026 season. Compared to teammate Fermin Aldeguer, the 2025 vice world champion and four-time MotoGP race winner consistently delivered better results. Before his absence, Marquez stood seventh in the overall standings with 67 points. The loss of their top rider for at least two race weekends weighs heavily.
A replacement rider for the events at Mugello and Balaton Park has not yet been named. According to the regulations, however, Gresini is obligated to field a substitute. The team does not have an official reserve rider. When Aldeguer missed the Thailand GP at the start of the season due to a broken femur, Ducati test rider Michele Pirro stepped in as a replacement. Pirro is considered the most likely option this time as well, although his deployment depends on whether Marc Marquez is available for Mugello. Should the elder Marquez brother continue to be sidelined, Ducati would also be obligated to nominate a replacement for the factory team, having opted not to do so in Catalunya.
Another theoretical option would be Nicolo Bulega, who had already stepped in as a replacement for Marc Marquez toward the end of last season and belongs to Ducati’s test team. However, he is not available for Mugello as the date clashes with the Superbike World Championship round at Aragon. For the Hungarian GP the following week, he would in principle be available. However, Bulega is currently dominating the 2026 Superbike World Championship with a flawless winning streak, which is why Ducati may be reluctant to risk a parallel MotoGP deployment.
As a surprise outsider option, Andrea Iannone is also being mentioned. The former Ducati factory rider returns to the MotoGP paddock starting from the Italian GP to participate in the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup. His last outing on a MotoGP motorcycle dates back to 2024, when he rode for VR46 at Sepang.
When Can Alex Marquez Return to MotoGP?
A specific timeline for the return is not available. What is certain is that Marquez will miss the Italian GP at Mugello on May 29–31 and the Hungarian GP at Balaton Park on June 5–7. Whether there will be further absences beyond that depends on the healing process. The earliest possible date for a comeback would be the Czech Grand Prix in Brno on June 19–21. Marquez himself reportedly said after watching the crash footage that he is grateful and considers himself lucky that things did not turn out worse.
Which Other Riders Were Injured at the Catalan GP?
The accident between Marquez and Acosta was not the only serious incident of the race. Johann Zarco (LCR Honda) crashed during the race restart and sustained a knee injury. According to his Honda team, Zarco must wait several weeks before surgery on the knee can be performed. He is also likely to miss several races as a result. Di Giannantonio, who suffered a hand injury from the debris, ultimately won the second restart of the race despite his injuries.
The 2026 MotoGP season is being significantly affected by the wave of injuries among several top riders. With Alex Marquez, Marc Marquez, and Zarco, three experienced riders are simultaneously sidelined for a portion of the upcoming European races, which could temporarily shift the balance of power in the championship standings.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which races will Alex Marquez miss after the Barcelona crash?
Alex Marquez will miss the Italian GP at Mugello (May 29–31) and the Hungarian GP at Balaton Park (June 5–7). A return is targeted at the earliest for the Czech GP in Brno on June 19–21, provided the healing process permits.
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What injuries did Alex Marquez sustain?
The Gresini rider suffered a fractured right collarbone, which was surgically stabilized with a plate on Sunday evening. Additionally, a marginal fracture of the C7 cervical vertebra was diagnosed, which was not immediately operated on and was to be further examined during the week.
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Who will replace Alex Marquez at Gresini?
A replacement rider has not yet been officially named. Gresini is obligated by the regulations to field a substitute. The most likely candidate is Ducati test rider Michele Pirro, who had already stepped in for Fermin Aldeguer at the start of the season.
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How did the accident between Marquez and Acosta happen?
Pedro Acosta’s KTM RC16 suffered an electrical problem on lap 12 while exiting Turn 9 and lost power abruptly on the straight. Alex Marquez was following at close range and could not avoid the collision. He crashed at full speed into the rear of the KTM.
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What championship position was Alex Marquez in before his absence?
Alex Marquez was seventh in the 2026 MotoGP overall standings with 67 points before the Catalan GP. He was by far the stronger rider in the Gresini team compared to teammate Fermin Aldeguer.
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