P1racenews AI automatic summary:
With Marc Marquez sidelined by a shoulder injury, Ducati test rider Michele Pirro looks favourite to stand in – but a WorldSBK call-up is also possible…
Marc Marquez’s shoulder injury may lead to Michele Pirro extending his streak of MotoGP appearances for another year, but Ducati might consider turning to WorldSBK for a surprise replacement.
With Ducati’s ‘A’ concession status preventing wild-card entries, Pirro’s impressive run of competing in MotoGP every year since 2012 is at risk.
Having filled in for Ducati 50 times between 2013 and 2023, Pirro made a comeback last season to substitute for Fabio di Giannantonio in Barcelona.
Given Marquez’s absence from the upcoming Australian and Malaysian races, Pirro seems like the logical choice to replace him alongside Francesco Bagnaia.
While Ducati has established dominance in MotoGP this season, Pirro’s focus would likely shift to gathering data for 2026.
Considering WorldSBK options, Ducati could also look to their stars from that series for a replacement rider in Sepang, such as Nicolo Bulega or even Andrea Iannone.
Iannone stepping in for Ducati would mark a significant return to the factory team where he achieved their first win in 2015, but Bulega is also a viable option given his future Ducati contract includes MotoGP testing.
As the MotoGP season progresses towards its conclusion, the decision on a temporary replacement for Marquez remains crucial for Ducati’s racing plans.
