Bagnaia has successful surgery on foot fractures

Francesco Bagnaia has undergone successful surgery in Turin to repair two fractures in his right foot, sustained in a crash during Saturday's sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix. Ducati confirmed that a fixation plate was fitted to the fourth metatarsal, and the rider will begin rehabilitation as soon as possible.

The Ducati rider was caught up in an incident when Fermin Aldeguer, attempting to pass Pedro Acosta, outbraked himself and made contact with the rear of Bagnaia's bike. Bagnaia was thrown into the air and landed heavily, and was later diagnosed with fractures to the fourth and fifth metatarsals. He was ruled out of Sunday's race.

No definitive return date has been set. Team manager Davide Tardozzi said the initial target is to have Bagnaia back for the next round in Portimao on 20-22 November, with Valencia the fallback option if he cannot recover in time.