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Lusail Medical Checks Clear Fernández and Aldeguer
Championship doctors at Lusail evaluated arriving injured riders on Thursday, November 5, clearing Trackhouse rider Raúl Fernández and Gresini's Fermín Aldeguer for the full Qatar Grand Prix weekend, while Jorge Martín remained awaiting a Friday fitness evaluation.
Trackhouse and Gresini Confirm Rider Recoveries
Fernández was cleared following an examination of his right index finger, which he fractured in an opening-lap contact with Marco Bezzecchi during the Mandalika sprint in Indonesia. Trackhouse announced his clearance on social media after the Spaniard had been limited to brief running before retiring in both Australia and Malaysia. Aldeguer was likewise passed fit following surgery performed in Spain by Dr. Xavier Mir for a fracture at the base of the first metacarpal in his right hand suffered during the Indonesian Grand Prix on October 11. Although Gresini announced his return on Tuesday, that Thursday circuit check remained pending. This marks his third injury of 2026, which followed a femur fracture in January and a vertebral fracture at Assen.
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Martín Faces Friday Assessment After Conflicting Reports
Martín's status remains unresolved as the Aprilia rider attempts to recover from a right wrist radius fracture sustained during the sprint at Phillip Island, after which he withdrew from the Malaysian Grand Prix following final practice due to a lack of strength. Conflicting media reports emerged on Thursday regarding his evaluation process. Motorsport.com and Autosport reported that Martín had been passed fit for the opening practice session, with championship medical director Dr. Ángel Charte scheduled to review his condition once that session concluded. Later on Thursday, Crash.net reported that Aprilia had only confirmed a medical check with Charte on Friday at 12:15 local time, prior to the start of first free practice at 14:45. The team provided no reason for the adjusted scheduling and published no comments from Martín regarding his physical state.
Championship Permutations for Marc Márquez at Lusail
The medical verdict on Martín carries major implications for the premier-class title fight. Marc Márquez arrives in Qatar holding a 44-point advantage over Martín, giving him his first opportunity to secure the world championship. With 74 points available across subsequent rounds in Portugal and Valencia, Márquez can seal the crown in Qatar if he leaves Lusail with a lead exceeding 74 points over both Martín and Marco Bezzecchi. That requirement calls for Márquez to outscore Martín by 31 points and Bezzecchi by eight. If Martín does not ride, the title scenario becomes simpler for Márquez, though if Martín scores seven points or more, the championship will remain undecided in Qatar. Winning the title would mark Márquez's eighth premier-class crown, according to Cycle News.
Grid Composition and Dixon Substitution at Honda
Without Yamaha traveling to Qatar due to internal Middle East travel restrictions and without Álex Márquez following surgery in Madrid, the grid will feature 17 or 18 bikes depending on Martín's status. Álex Márquez had osteosynthesis material removed from his right collarbone and left hand alongside an arthroscopic bursectomy on his right shoulder at the Ruber Internacional Hospital in Madrid. In another paddock change, Honda confirmed on Thursday that World Superbike rider Jake Dixon will replace Joan Mir, whose vision difficulties and dizziness from Misano persisted after resurfacing during the Malaysian Grand Prix.
