🥲16 weeks is the amount of time Marc Marquez will have to stay away from MotoGP due to injury, forcing boss Gigi Dall’igna to make a difficult decision
The MotoGP world has been shaken by the news that Marc Marquez will be sidelined for approximately 16 weeks following surgery to repair a serious shoulder injury. What previously seemed like a shorter absence has now escalated into a prolonged recovery period, forcing Ducati’s general manager Gigi Dall’Igna to make a difficult call for the remainder of the season.
Marquez’s injury stems from a collision on the opening lap of the Indonesian Grand Prix, where he was struck from behind by Marco Bezzecchi. The impact resulted in a fracture to the base of the coracoid process and damage to the ligaments of his right shoulder. While initial evaluations suggested a conservative treatment path, doctors eventually determined that the damage was unstable and opted for surgical intervention.
The prognosis from medical analysts estimates a full recovery will require up to 16 weeks — a timeline that would push Marquez’s return beyond the final rounds of the season. Even the MotoGP medical chief has expressed skepticism about a comeback before the Valencia finale. Dall’Igna now faces the task of balancing Marquez’s long-term health with Ducati’s immediate competitive ambitions.
From the outset, Marquez’s mindset has been cautious. He insisted that he would not risk recovery by rushing back too early, despite his desire to resume racing before season’s end. The decision to proceed with surgery was made after imaging showed no signs of stability following a week of immobilization. The surgical procedure repaired acromioclavicular ligaments and stabilized the injured shoulder. It marks the latest in a troubling series of operations on his right arm — the seventh such procedure over recent years.
The impact of his absence will be felt immediately. Marquez has already been ruled out of upcoming rounds in Australia and Malaysia, and medical assessments suggest his return even in Portugal is unlikely. Dall’Igna and Ducati now confront pressing questions about who will take Marquez’s seat and what strategy to adopt in the remaining races.
One logical substitution is Ducati’s test rider Michele Pirro, who has already been tapped to fill in during Marquez’s absence. The team must also weigh the benefits and risks of attempting a last-minute return or focusing their resources entirely on finishing the season strong without their star. The choice will not be easy, especially given the internal dynamics and expectations surrounding Marquez’s status at Ducati.
Marquez’s dominance in 2025 has made his upcoming absence all the more consequential. Having clinched the world championship already, he has delivered a standout season with eleven wins and fifteen podium finishes, steering Ducati to unprecedented success. With him off the track, other riders stand to gain momentum. Analysts are watching closely to see who will step up now that Marquez is out of the equation.
Despite the severity of the injury and the interruption to his season, there is still cautious optimism about Marquez’s long-term prospects. Reports indicate that the surgery went smoothly and the medical team is confident in their stabilization measures. Though his 2025 season may now effectively be over, Ducati and Dall’Igna remain focused on ensuring that when he does return, Marquez can compete without lingering issue or limitation.
The final weeks of 2025 will test Ducati’s resilience and the strength of their decision-making. Will they push hard now with his replacement, or hold back to preserve engines, data, and morale for 2026? Gigi Dall’Igna’s decision will speak volumes about Ducati’s view of Marquez not just as a champion, but as a long-term cornerstone. As the paddock adjusts to his absence, one certainty looms: Marc Marquez’s name will remain central in MotoGP discussions — off the track, for the moment, but very much present in the future.
