Iker Lecuona will replace Fermín Aldeguer at the Australian Grand Prix from October 23 to 25 after Gresini Racing confirmed the Spaniard would miss the Phillip Island race while recovering from a fractured right hand.
Lecuona, who rides for Aruba.it Racing – Ducati in the World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK), will take over Aldeguer’s Ducati for the Australian round. Aldeguer is targeting a return at the Malaysian Grand Prix, scheduled for October 30 to November 1 at Sepang International Circuit, although his participation will depend on his recovery.
The replacement was confirmed on Monday, October 19, with Gresini stating that Aldeguer would not compete in Australia and that Lecuona would step in for the injured rider.
Aldeguer fractured the first metacarpal bone in his right hand during a crash at Turn 16 on the second lap of the Indonesian Grand Prix in Mandalika on October 11. He was running in fourth position when he crashed out of the race.
The 21-year-old subsequently underwent surgery in Barcelona. MotoGP confirmed on October 14 that the procedure had been successful, after which Aldeguer began rehabilitation.
However, the injury ruled him out of the Australian round, leaving Malaysia as his next target.
Lecuona’s appointment marks another substitute appearance for the Spanish rider, who has already raced for Gresini twice during the 2026 MotoGP season.
He first replaced Alex Márquez at the Hungarian Grand Prix in June, finishing seventh in the main race at Balaton Park. He returned to the team in August to replace Aldeguer at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where he did not score points.
The 26-year-old arrives at Phillip Island after finishing runner-up in the 2026 World Superbike Championship. His regular campaign in the series has kept him competing on Ducati machinery, although he will need to adapt to the demands of MotoGP as he takes on the Australian assignment.
For Gresini, Lecuona’s previous experience with the team provides continuity while Aldeguer focuses on rehabilitation. The Australian race also gives Lecuona another opportunity to compete in MotoGP before returning to his WorldSBK commitments.
Aldeguer’s latest injury follows an already disrupted season. He fractured his left femur during pre-season training, forcing him to miss the opening Thai Grand Prix. He later suffered a vertebral fracture that kept him out of three race weekends.
The right-hand fracture has now ruled him out of Australia, with Gresini yet to guarantee his participation at Sepang. His return will depend on his recovery and fitness ahead of the Malaysian weekend.
The Australian Grand Prix takes place at Phillip Island from October 23 to 25, followed by the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang from October 30 to November 1. Lecuona will represent Gresini in Australia as the team awaits further progress in Aldeguer’s recovery.
