Fermin Aldeguer's MotoGP Journey: From Rookie to Potential Factory Rider
The world of MotoGP is abuzz with the potential of Fermin Aldeguer, the Gresini rider who has his sights set on a factory Ducati seat. But his path to the top hasn't been without its twists and turns. A tale of early promise, tempered expectations, and a stunning breakthrough.
When Aldeguer stepped up to MotoGP, opinions were divided. His impressive Moto2 victories earned him a contract, but his final year on Pirelli tires was less than stellar. As he adapted to the new tires, his form improved, but he was still third-best on a Boscoscuro chassis. So, as he entered MotoGP, the excitement was somewhat subdued.
But here's where it gets interesting... In Austin, Aldeguer made his presence known. Starting 12th, he surged into the top 10 and chased down Pramac's Franco Morbidelli. A mistake at Turn 15 cut his race short, but his charge left a lasting impression.
"The expectations changed during the season," Aldeguer revealed. "We didn't start well, but we had a good feeling. Austin was our breakthrough." This race was a turning point, boosting his confidence and marking his arrival in MotoGP.
Aldeguer's late-race pace is reminiscent of Enea Bastianini's on the factory Ducati. At the Austrian GP, he recovered from eighth to finish just behind Marc Marquez. This ability to manage worn tires is a powerful asset, but Aldeguer aims to start closer to the front.
MotoGP's format emphasizes Friday practice, making Q2 entry crucial. Aldeguer has started outside the top 10 in half of the rounds, a statistic he and crew chief Frankie Carchedi are determined to improve. "Qualifying is key. Starting in the first positions makes managing the race easier," Aldeguer noted.
His front-row start in Indonesia resulted in victory, showcasing his growing racecraft. Yet, crashes in Jerez, Assen, and Sepang indicate room for improvement. "Sometimes we're faster than the results show," Aldeguer admitted. "It's a learning process."
Looking ahead, Aldeguer's future seems bright. He aims for a factory Ducati seat in 2027, but it's a competitive field. Marc Marquez's stellar form may keep him loyal, and Francesco Bagnaia has strong support despite an inconsistent season. Even within Gresini, Alex Marquez's impressive 2025 run earns him a factory-spec bike in 2026. Aldeguer must prove his long-term potential.
And this is the part most people miss... Aldeguer's contract offers a two-plus-two deal, keeping him under Ducati's wing until 2028. "I have a contract with Ducati. If I perform well, I can join the official team," he said. But will he make the leap from rookie to factory rider? Only time will tell.
What do you think? Is Aldeguer destined for factory glory, or will he face more challenges? Share your thoughts in the comments!
