Fermín Aldeguer will miss the Australian MotoGP at Phillip Island after a fracture to the first metacarpal of his left hand ruled him out. The Gresini rider was injured at the Indonesian MotoGP when he lost the front at Turn 16 and hit the ground while sliding through the run-off area.

Gresini has confirmed the absence and selected Iker Lecuona to take over the Ducati #54. It will be Lecuona’s third MotoGP appearance for the team this season, following earlier replacement rides for Alex Márquez in Hungary and Aldeguer at Silverstone. Aldeguer is now working towards a possible return at the Malaysian round, which is less than two weeks away.

Lecuona arrives after completing the 2026 WorldSBK season, where he finished runner-up in the championship and collected four victories. The Jerez finale produced three podiums: third in Race 1, followed by second place in both Sunday races. His two previous MotoGP appearances this year ended with seventh at Balaton Park and a retirement at Silverstone. Phillip Island is also expected to stage its final MotoGP event before the Australian Grand Prix moves to Adelaide next season.