MotoGP excitement in Jerez: Marquez’s comeback plan and Ducati’s podium hopes

27. April 2023

3 min read

Marc Marquez will sit out the Spanish Grand Prix due to a hand injury, while other riders such as Francesco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini will be hoping for their chance at Jerez. The race weekend promises exciting duels and unforgettable moments on the MotoGP track.

Marquez plans return after injury

Marc Marquez, the six-time MotoGP World Champion, will not compete at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez de la Frontera due to a hand injury. After a successful surgery and examination at Ruber Internacional Hospital, Marquez will continue his recovery and focus his possible comeback on the French GP on May 12-14. Iker Lecuona of Team HRC in WorldSBK will replace Marquez at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Ducati Lenovo team returns to Europe

Meanwhile, the Ducati Lenovo Team returns to Europe hoping for a successful weekend at Jerez. Ducati scored its first MotoGP podium at this circuit 20 years ago, and in total the Borgo Panigale-based manufacturer has scored nine podiums and three wins.

Bagnaia fights to make amends

Francesco Bagnaia, the reigning World Champion, had a perfect weekend last year, setting both the new track record and pole position before taking his first win of the season. After two crashes in recent races, Bagnaia will be looking to get back to fighting for victory at the Spanish GP.

Bastianini returns after injury

Enea Bastianini, who missed the Portuguese GP due to a shoulder injury, will also be back on the grid at Jerez. Following his rehabilitation in recent weeks, the Ducati Lenovo Team rider returned to the track last week for some test laps at Misano. Bastianini will undergo another medical check-up at the Jerez circuit on Thursday and, provided the doctors give the green light, will take part in the Spanish GP.

Race weekend and schedule

The MotoGP riders will take to the track at 10:45 a.m. on Friday, April 28, for the first free practice session. The sprint race (12 laps) and Spanish GP (25 laps) will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. There will be another day of testing in Jerez on Monday.

With the top riders ready to battle on track and Marquez planning his return, the Spanish GP at Jerez promises to be an exciting race weekend. Fans can look forward to high-class racing action and thrilling duels on one of the most famous MotoGP circuits.