Andrew McLarneyMotoGP Reporter
Andrew McLarney is a MotoGP reporter for GPBlog. With three years as a professional writer across the sports and video game industries, his early passion for combat sports evolved into a deep interest in UFC and eventually motorsport — with MotoGP becoming his primary focus. On top of that he is also an avid follower of MXGP and AMA Supercross as well as F1 and GT racing.
Gresini Ducati have announced their replacement rider for Alex Marquez following the Spaniard's horrific crash in Barcelona, which saw him hospitalized with a fractured neck vertebrae.
The Catalan Grand Prix was one that the MotoGP world will not remember fondly, as it was sadly marked by two brutal injuries to Alex Marquez an Johann Zarco. Thankfully, both riders managed to avoid life-threatening injuries and are already on the road to recovery. However, given the extent of both men's crashes, neither will compete in this weekend's Italian Grand Prix in Mugello.
There were some doubts as to whether Marc Marquez would be able to return in time, either. The older Marquez brother also suffered a bone-breaking crash in the Le Mans sprint race and had to undergo a double surgery to deal with an ongoing shoulder problem. However, it has now been confirmed by GP Blog that Marquez will return to action in Mugello.
Gresini Find A Reliable Replacement
As for Gresini, they still have a rider's seat to fill, and thankfully they can once again call upon the services of Ducati reserve rider Michele Pirro to step up to the plate.
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Pirro previously replaced Marc Marquez in the factory Ducati team for several rounds last year after the Spaniard was injured in Mandalika. Earlier this year, Pirro also filled in for Fermin Aldeguer when the young rider broke his femur during pre-season training.
Alex Marquez is expected to miss both this weekend's race in Mugello as well as the following Hungarian Grand Prix at Balaton Park. It is not yet clear whether he or Zarco will be deemed fit enough to return in time for the Czech Grand Prix in mid-June.
Marc Marquez confirms Italian GP return: 'See you in Mugello!'
Earlier this week, GP Blog reported how Marquez was already training in preparation his potential return, but the timeline still looked doubtful given the severity of his injuries. In typical Marquez fashion, 'The Alien' is bouncing back quicker than imagined as he looks to set about defending his title this year. Read all about Marquez's statement here.
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