Bagnaia undergoes arm pump surgery during MotoGP summer break

Francesco "Pecco" Bagnaia has undergone endoscopic fasciotomy surgery — commonly known as arm pump surgery — on his right forearm during the MotoGP summer break. The procedure was performed successfully by Professor Luigi Tarallo at the Orthopaedic Clinic of the Policlinico di Modena, directed by Professor Fabio Catani.

The Ducati Lenovo Team rider, a two-time MotoGP World Champion (2022, 2023), concluded the first half of the 2026 season with a sixth-place finish at the German Grand Prix at the Sachsenring. Bagnaia currently sits eighth in the championship standings, 65 points behind leader Jorge Martin.

Ducati confirmed the surgery with an official statement. "This afternoon, Francesco Bagnaia underwent successful endoscopic fasciotomy surgery on his right forearm," the statement read. "The operation, performed by the medical team led by Professor Luigi Tarallo at the Orthopaedic Clinic of the Policlinico di Modena, directed by Professor Fabio Catani, was completed successfully and without complications. Taking advantage of the MotoGP summer break, the Ducati Lenovo Team rider will now begin his scheduled recovery and rehabilitation. Pending his post-operative progress, the goal is to return to the track for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone from August 7th to 9th."

Endoscopic fasciotomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to treat chronic compartment syndrome of the forearm, commonly referred to as arm pump. This condition is prevalent among MotoGP riders, caused by the repeated contraction of forearm muscles during riding, which can compress nerves and reduce blood flow, leading to pain, numbness, and loss of strength in the right hand — critical for operating the front brake lever. Bagnaia had complained of grip rather than physical issues in recent races.

The Turin-born rider is in his final season with the factory Ducati team. In 2027, he will move to the factory Aprilia squad, taking over the seat of championship leader Jorge Martin. With approximately three weeks until the British Grand Prix (August 7-9), Bagnaia will now focus on recovery and rehabilitation before returning to action at Silverstone.

Sources

• Crash.net: https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/1101061/1/pecco-bagnaia-undergoes-surgery-during-motogp-summer-break