P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ducati has announced its rider line-up plans for the Catalan Grand Prix with Marc Marquez absent
Ducati confirmed they will not replace Marc Marquez at this weekend’s Catalan Grand Prix following his recent surgery. Marquez fractured his right foot in a crash during the French Grand Prix sprint race and had to undergo surgery. Additionally, he decided to bring forward an operation on his injured shoulder. Despite a successful surgery on both his foot and shoulder, Ducati opted not to field a replacement for Marquez in Barcelona. The team stated that Pecco Bagnaia will be the sole representative for the factory team at the Grand Prix. Ducati did not provide an explanation for not using test rider Michele Pirro as Marquez’s replacement. However, this decision might be related to Pirro focusing on the development of Ducati’s 2027 bike. The door remains open for Marquez to attempt riding in Friday practice at Barcelona if his recovery allows it. Ducati did not specify a timeline for Marquez’s return, but they hope he will be back for the Italian Grand Prix later this month. Ducati’s team boss emphasized that Marquez’s health is the top priority.
