Ducati has officially confirmed that Michele Pirro, the team’s long-time test rider, will continue to stand in for world champion Marc Marquez at next week’s Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang.
During Friday practice at Phillip Island, sporting director Mauro Grassilli avoided setting any timeline for Marquez’s comeback.
“We don’t know yet,” Grassilli said. “We’re in daily contact with Marc’s management, but it’s still uncertain.
What I can confirm is that Michele Pirro will ride in Malaysia next weekend. As for Marc, we might have more information in the coming days.”
Grassilli added in an interview with Sky Italia: “It’s not impossible that Marc could return for Valencia. We’ll see how his rehabilitation progresses.”
🔧 Could Nicolo Bulega be next?
Pirro was initially scheduled to cover only the Australian round, since Ducati’s WorldSBK season concludes this weekend at Jerez — freeing up riders for potential MotoGP call-ups.
With Marquez now unlikely to be fit for Portimao, Ducati could consider giving Nicolo Bulega, a WorldSBK title contender, his MotoGP debut.
Bulega, who has a MotoGP testing contract lined up for 2026, has admitted it would be “very difficult” to jump into a race weekend without prior testing.
Ducati, however, is reportedly trying to arrange a short test session for him on the Desmosedici before Portimao so that he can adapt to the bike and Michelin tyres.
🩺 Marquez’s Injury Update
The nine-time world champion sustained a fracture and ligament damage to his right shoulder after Marco Bezzecchi hit the rear of his Ducati on the opening lap of the Indonesian Grand Prix.
Initially hoping to avoid surgery, Marquez underwent an operation after a week of minimal improvement.
He has since stated that he aims to return before the end of the season — which concludes in Valencia — but won’t rush, recalling the lessons from his 2020 arm injury comeback.
Doctors unaffiliated with his case have estimated a 16-week recovery period for such injuries.
🚑 Jorge Martin also ruled out of Sepang
Meanwhile, Aprilia has confirmed that Jorge Martin will also miss the Malaysian Grand Prix.
The outgoing champion fractured his collarbone in a Turn 1 collision with his teammate Bezzecchi during the Motegi Sprint Race, capping off a grueling, injury-hit year.
With Tech3’s Maverick Viñales already sidelined by a shoulder issue, the Sepang grid will once again feature a trio of test riders:
- Michele Pirro (Ducati)
- Lorenzo Savadori (Aprilia)
- Pol Espargaro (KTM)
