Aldeguer Emerges as a Potential Factory Ducati Contender

Fermin Aldeguer’s transition to MotoGP with Gresini Racing initially presented mixed expectations, but recent performances have positioned him as a possible contender for a factory Ducati seat in the future. The young Spaniard’s ascent to the premier class followed a remarkable series of victories at the close of the 2023 Moto2 season, earning him an early MotoGP contract. However, his final year in Moto2, marked by the introduction of Pirelli tyres, proved less impressive, tempering initial enthusiasm.

Aldeguer’s adaptation to the new tyres in Moto2 was gradual, and he ultimately ranked as the third-best rider using a Boscoscuro chassis. Consequently, his entry into MotoGP was viewed by many as a learning phase rather than a period for immediate, significant results. The initial rounds of his rookie campaign offered little indication of his potential, but the Austin Grand Prix marked a turning point.

Starting from 12th on the grid in Austin, Aldeguer quickly advanced into the top 10 and continued his charge towards the front. By lap 16, he had moved into fifth place, trailing only Pramac rider Franco Morbidelli. Although a crash at Turn 15 ended his race prematurely, the aggressive push demonstrated his capabilities in MotoGP.

"The expectations for me changed a lot during the season because maybe we didn’t start in the best way and all the rookies were going better than me," Aldeguer stated in Sepang. "But we had a good feeling and a good pace – and step by step, we are arriving at the top."

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He identified the Austin Grand Prix as a breakthrough moment, noting, "I think Austin GP [was where we made a breakthrough] because we did the straight pass to Q2 on Friday for the first time. After that, in the race, I felt super good. I was fifth and I was [able to] close the [gap to] Morbidelli. I crashed when two or three laps [were left], but the confidence I took in this grand prix [was significant]. This was the click [for me]."

A notable aspect of Aldeguer’s performance this season has been his ability to maintain pace late in races, drawing comparisons to Enea Bastianini’s performances on the factory Ducati. This characteristic was particularly evident at the Austrian Grand Prix, where he recovered from eighth place on the opening lap to finish just over a second behind race winner Marc Marquez.

"Honestly, it is difficult to say [where the late race pace comes from], but I always felt good with the used tyre," Aldeguer explained. "Also in Moto2, I managed very well in the last laps, the last phase of the race. I don’t know if it’s something from my riding style or how I use the throttle – I always felt better in the last part than in the first part of the race. We have to improve the first part to do better in the last part."

Despite his late-race pace, Aldeguer’s starting positions have often required him to battle through the field. The current MotoGP format places significant emphasis on Friday practice sessions, and securing direct entry into Q2 can significantly impact a rider’s weekend performance. In numerous rounds, Aldeguer has started outside the top 10, a challenge that both he and his crew chief, Frankie Carchedi, are focused on addressing.

"One of my goals for this last part of the season is to improve the lap time in qualifying and also practice," Aldeguer said. "When you are in Q2 and you start in the first [few] positions, it’s easier to do the race and to manage the race. It is one thing that I want to improve, but it’s just [about] time; to use new tyres, try and look where the limit is, because I don’t know at that moment where the limit of the bike is. I need more time, more crashes, and for sure I took [some time]."

At the Indonesian Grand Prix, Aldeguer’s front-row start translated into a victory. Although Marco Bezzecchi’s early error eliminated two competitors, Aldeguer displayed improved racecraft to secure his first MotoGP win. However, he acknowledges that his race results have not always accurately reflected his pace, with crashes in Jerez, Assen, and Sepang occurring from promising positions.

"I think in some races, we were faster and stronger than the results. It was difficult to manage this in myself because when you feel better than the result, you are sad with yourself," Aldeguer admitted, having clinched the rookie of the year title in Malaysia. "But it’s a good opportunity for taking experience and continuing to improve."

Looking ahead, Aldeguer’s focus is on securing a factory Ducati seat when the MotoGP transfer market reopens. However, the availability of such a position is uncertain. Marc Marquez’s current form may lead him to remain with Ducati, while Francesco Bagnaia, despite inconsistent results, maintains strong support within the team.

Even if a factory seat becomes available, Aldeguer will face competition, including from within Gresini Racing. Alex Marquez has demonstrated strong performance and has been granted a factory-spec bike. Aldeguer must demonstrate greater long-term potential than Marquez to secure the coveted factory position.

Aldeguer’s current contract includes an option for Ducati to retain him until 2028. "I have a contract with the Ducati factory," Aldeguer stated. "In my contract, if you do two good seasons, you have the opportunity to join the official team. But it all depends on results, on my potential. I’m 100% sure that if Ducati sees that I’m ready to go, [they will give me a seat, otherwise], we will stay there [at Gresini]."

He clarified, "We talk about this, but we are not talking ‘maybe on this date, in 2027, you will go to the official [team]. It’s just they bring me the calm. Then maybe if I do good results, this opportunity will arrive."

In the upcoming season, Aldeguer will be one of the few riders competing on a year-old Ducati. His performance against riders using GP26 bikes, particularly Alex Marquez, will be crucial in determining whether he can transition from a promising rookie to a factory rider.