MotoGP injury list: Marquez among stars sidelined in brutal 2026
Photo: Ducati Corse
14:30, 21 Aug
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MotoGP is ready to welcome back Johann Zarco and Fermin Aldeguer after long-term absences.
The LCR Honda and Gresini riders have been out since before the summer break, showing just how serious their issues were.
Yet they’re far from alone; this season has seen a string of injuries up and down the grid, and questions are being raised about the schedule.
Names as big as nine-time champion Marc Marquez have spent time on the sidelines during a joint-record 22-race season.
Championship rival Marco Bezzecchi has similarly spent time out, suggesting that injuries are going to play a role in one of the closest and most packed title fights in years.
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In fact, 10 riders overall have gone under the knife in 2026, and we run down how many races they've missed...
Johann Zarco: Six races missed through injury
Zarco was involved in a gruesome crash during the Barcelona Grand Prix restart in mid-May, sustaining ligament damage to his left knee.
His leg became trapped under Francesco Bagnaia’s Ducati, and he was dragged along the tarmac and through the gravel, resulting in an inoperable wound.
The Frenchman was replaced at LCR Honda by Cal Crutchlow and now finally looks set to return at Aragon.
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Fermin Aldeguer: Four races missed through injury
The usually reliable Aldeguer has followed up his Rookie of the Year campaign with two serious crashes.
He first fractured his femur in a training crash in January, forcing him out of the season opener.
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The Spaniard then suffered a nasty T7 vertebra fracture at the Dutch Grand Prix and missed three more races.
He’s hoping to return for his home race next time out in Aragon, but will need medical clearance.
Maverick Vinales: Four races missed through injury
In what is almost certain to be Vinales’ final MotoGP season, he’s going out without a whimper.
The former title contender underwent surgery in March to remove screws from his shoulder from an earlier injury and missed three races as a result.
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He returned in May but further problems were discovered and he then missed the British Grand Prix, with his future plans up in the air.
Alex Marquez: Three races missed through injury
In the most terrifying moment of the season so far, Alex Marquez hit the stalling KTM of Pedro Acosta in Barcelona and was sent barrel-rolling as his Gresini split in half.
He was thankfully quickly established as conscious, but had fractures to his collarbone and cervical vertebrae.
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Marquez missed the next two races and attempted a return in Czechia but pulled out of the event after qualifying.
Marc Marquez: Two races missed through injury
Marc Marquez is no stranger to injuries, but his leg fracture in Le Mans prompted some serious retirement fears after some teary pitlane scenes.
Thankfully, a double surgery seems to have done the trick, repairing his ankle and also a bent screw that was causing him shoulder pain.
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He missed the French race and next time out in Barcelona for two races in total.
Marco Bezzecchi: One race missed through injury
The early season title favourite, Aprilia’s Bezzecchi, had a hellish summer triggered by his assault on a marshal in Czechia and his misery was then compounded by a huge crash in the Netherlands.
He somehow came away unscathed, but then crashed again in qualifying for the German Grand Prix and missed the rest of the weekend as he went for collarbone and knee surgery.
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Fabio Di Giannantonio: Post-victory surgery
Di Giannantonio injured his left hand at the Barcelona Grand Prix but still won his only race of the season.
He underwent surgery after and made a quick return next time out in Mugello.
Francesco Bagnaia: Major surgeries
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Bagnaia’s final Ducati season has been disrupted by poor form and crashes, but none of his pointless races have come due to surgery.
He instead waited until the summer break for a double operation on arm pump and carpal tunnel syndrome and was able to get straight back on his bike after the break.
Pedro Acosta: No races missed after surgery
Acosta underwent the usual carpal tunnel syndrome surgery in June and avoided missing any races.
Fabio Quartararo: Surgery but no races missed
Quartararo fractured his right middle finger during the Sepang test and underwent surgery, making the season opener in Thailand, but losing crucial practice hours.
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Dutch Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 21.08.26
Practice 1
10:30 AM
Sprint Qualification
02:30 PM
Saturday 22.08.26
Sprint Race
10:00 AM
Qualification
02:00 PM
Sunday 23.08.26
Race
01:00 PM
Friday 21.08.26
Practice 1
Fri 10:30 AM
Sprint Qualification
Fri 02:30 PM
Saturday 22.08.26
Sprint Race
Sat 10:00 AM
Qualification
Sat 02:00 PM
Sunday 23.08.26
Race
Sun 01:00 PM
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F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 219 | |
2 | FerrariFER | 169 | |
3 | MercedesMER | 160 | |
4 | FerrariFER | 138 | |
5 | McLarenMCL | 128 | |
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8 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 68 | |
9 | Racing BullsRCB | 43 | |
10 | AlpineALP | 42 |
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