Lecuona Steps In for Injured Alex Marquez at Qatar Grand Prix

Iker Lecuona will return to the MotoGP paddock for this weekend's Qatar Grand Prix, replacing the injured Alex Marquez on the BK8 Gresini Racing Ducati. The announcement, made on Wednesday, confirms the 2026 World Superbike runner-up for his fourth replacement ride with the team in this year's MotoGP season. Marquez underwent surgery on Monday, November 2, in a procedure that removed osteosynthesis material from his right collarbone and left hand, with an additional arthroscopic bursectomy, ruling him out of the Lusail round from November 6 to 8. Lecuona has shown flashes of real promise on the Desmosedici before, recording a career-best seventh place the last time he stood in for the No. 73 rider. He will share the track with Franco Morbidelli, his team-mate for 2027, adding an extra layer of interest to the weekend. The Qatar race is a pivotal one in the championship fight, with Marc Marquez able to clinch the title under the Lusail lights. For Lecuona, it is another chance to prove he belongs at MotoGP level.