In a major development ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, Ducati has officially confirmed that test rider Michele Pirro will step in for MotoGP champion Marc Marquez, who has been sidelined due to a shoulder injury. The Italian rider will take over the reins for the Phillip Island race scheduled from October 17 to 19, partnering with three-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia in the Ducati Lenovo Team.
Ducati names Michele Pirro as Marc Marquez’s replacement
The announcement came through Ducati’s official statement on X (formerly Twitter), confirming that Pirro will fill in for Marquez during the Australian leg of the championship.
“Updates for the upcoming #AustralianGP. Following the injury that has forced @marcmarquez93 to miss the next two rounds of the 2025 @MotoGP season, #DucatiLenovoTeam confirms that @michelepirro51 will replace him at the Aussie appointment,” the team announced.
This marks Michele Pirro’s first MotoGP start since the 2024 Barcelona Grand Prix, where he substituted for Fabio di Giannantonio, and his first factory Ducati appearance since the 2023 Japanese GP. The veteran test rider, known for his consistency and experience, will be tasked with ensuring Ducati maintains its competitive edge during Marc Marquez’s absence.
Marquez’s injury and recovery timeline
Marquez’s injury occurred during the Indonesian Grand Prix last weekend when he collided with Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi early in the race. The crash resulted in a fracture at the base of the coracoid process and ligament damage to his right shoulder. Bezzecchi, who was recovering from a poor start, made an aggressive move at Turn 7, leading to both riders crashing out.
Upon returning to Spain, Marc Marquez underwent a detailed medical assessment, revealing the extent of his injury. While no surgery is planned, the nine-time world champion will undergo a conservative treatment plan involving rest and immobilisation of his shoulder. A decision on his return for the final races in Portugal and Valencia will depend on his recovery progress in the coming weeks.
Ducati’s strategic move amid title battle
With Marc Marquez ruled out of the Australia and Malaysia rounds, Ducati’s decision to bring in Michele Pirro is both strategic and necessary. The team cannot use its test riders as wildcards due to its ‘Category A’ classification under MotoGP’s concessions system, meaning Pirro’s participation is strictly as a replacement rider.
Meanwhile, Aprilia also confirmed that test rider Lorenzo Savadori will make his 11th appearance of the season at Phillip Island, stepping in as reigning champion Jorge Martin continues to recover from a collarbone injury.
Elsewhere, KTM has yet to announce a substitute for Maverick Vinales, who is expected to sit out the remainder of the season as he continues rehabilitation from a lingering shoulder injury sustained earlier in the year.