Alex Marquez, comeback remains an'unknown: Gresini Racing relies on a surprise name

MotoGp is preparing to return to the track for the Hungarian Grand Prix, but still missing from the grid will be Alex Marquez and Johann Zarco: both, in fact, are still recovering from injuries sustained after nasty crashes at the Catalan GP. Marc’s brother had suffered a fractured right clavicle and C7 vertebra, the Frenchman, on the other hand, sustained injuries to his anterior and posterior cruciate ligament, medial meniscus and fibula.

Marquez had been replaced, in the Italian GP, by Michele Pirro and, predictably, will not be present in Hungary either. However, the Gresini team, compared to Mugello, has decided to bet on another name, entrusting the Ducati Desmosedici GP 26 to Iker Lecuona. The Valencian, currently engaged in World Superbike, will thus make his return to MotoGp after his experiences dating back to the four-year period 2019-2023.

The decision was announced by Gresini Racing itself through a note released on its official channels. Team principal Nadia Padovani confirmed the news: “Iker Lecuona is ready to return to the MotoGp paddock to replace Alex Marquez at Balaton Park, for the eighth round of the season.” The team will therefore continue to wait for the number 73’s full recovery before seeing him back on the track.

As for Johann Zarco, the LRC Honda’s French rider is far from being cleared to return to racing (expected to take a few months) and will be replaced again by Cal Crutchlow. The Briton, already called to take the Frenchman’s place at Mugello, will once again board the Honda made available by Lucio Cecchinello’s team for the Hungarian weekend.