Fermin Aldeguer Acknowledges Disappointment Over Factory Ducati Delay, Eyes Future Red Team Opportunity.

MotoGP rookie sensation Fermin Aldeguer has admitted to experiencing a degree of disappointment following Ducati’s decision to delay his promotion to a full factory machine for the 2026 season. The young Spaniard, who inked a direct deal with Ducati to ride for the Gresini Racing squad this year, had anticipated receiving full factory equipment for his sophomore MotoGP campaign. However, Ducati has opted to allocate the additional GP26 Desmosedici, currently under development for next year, to Aldeguer’s teammate, Alex Marquez.

The decision comes despite Aldeguer’s impressive debut season in the premier class, which has seen him secure the Rookie of the Year title with two rounds still remaining in the championship. The 20-year-old rider also clinched his maiden MotoGP victory at the Indonesian Grand Prix in early October, adding to podium finishes achieved earlier in the season at the French and Austrian rounds.

The availability of a full-works bike has proven strategically crucial in recent MotoGP seasons. Ducati, in particular, made significant strides with the introduction of the GP24 machine in 2024. While the performance gap between Ducati’s 2024-spec bike and the newer GP25 has been relatively minimal this season, with both Aldeguer and Marquez capable of securing wins on the older model, the allure of factory machinery remains strong due to potential developmental advantages.

The 2026 season holds particular significance as it marks the final year under the current MotoGP technical regulations. This limits the scope for developmental upgrades, further emphasizing the importance of having the latest factory equipment. Moreover, Ducati, along with other manufacturers, will be subject to an engine freeze that prohibits the introduction of new power units from 2025 onward, as mandated by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).

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Aldeguer acknowledged his disappointment with Ducati’s decision, but also conveyed an understanding of the manufacturer’s rationale for not immediately providing him with a factory bike.

"Difficult – it’s difficult [to accept] because at this moment we are very competitive, we are fast," Aldeguer told Motorsport.com. "For sure, I need some more things from the bike because the official bike is always a little bit better. But the reality is that it’s my second year [and] I think the GP25 will be a very good bike. I have the support of Ducati. It’s not a problem for me not to have the official bike, but we are fighting for the future. Maybe it’s not my moment to use this bike, but we will see. If we have a good season next year, maybe in 2027 we are in the red team."

Ducati’s MotoGP structure currently consists of two factory riders, Francesco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini, racing for the Ducati Lenovo Team, and several satellite teams including Pramac Racing, Gresini Racing, and VR46 Racing Team. Each of these satellite teams fields two riders, creating a competitive environment for securing coveted factory equipment.

Aldeguer’s contract with Ducati is understood to include provisions for a potential future promotion to the factory team, contingent on performance and availability of seats. His current deal with Gresini Racing, a team known for its close ties to Ducati and its history of nurturing young talent, provides a solid foundation for his continued development in MotoGP.

The Gresini Racing team has a storied history in Grand Prix motorcycle racing, dating back to its establishment in 1997 by former racer Fausto Gresini. The team has competed in various classes, including 125cc, 250cc, and MotoGP, achieving notable success over the years. In MotoGP, Gresini Racing has primarily operated as a satellite team, partnering with manufacturers such as Honda and Ducati. The team’s most successful period came during its collaboration with Honda in the early 2000s, when it secured multiple race wins and championship podiums with riders like Daijiro Kato and Sete Gibernau.

Following Fausto Gresini’s passing in 2021, his wife Nadia Padovani took over the reins of the team, ensuring its continued participation in MotoGP. Under Padovani’s leadership, Gresini Racing has maintained its commitment to developing young talent and providing a competitive platform for riders to showcase their abilities. The team’s current lineup of Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer represents a blend of experience and youthful potential, reflecting Gresini Racing’s long-standing philosophy.

Ducati’s management is reportedly satisfied with Aldeguer’s progress in his rookie season, particularly highlighting his strong late-race pace and tire management skills. These attributes are considered crucial for success in MotoGP, where races often come down to the final laps and the ability to preserve tire performance.

However, qualifying remains an area for improvement for Aldeguer. Throughout the first 20 race weekends of the season, he has only managed to start inside the front two rows on five occasions. Qualifying performance is increasingly vital in modern MotoGP, where the tightly packed grids and the importance of track position make a good start essential for a strong race result.

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Aldeguer stated that his primary goal is to build upon his experiences from his first year in MotoGP and strive for greater consistency, rather than placing undue pressure on himself to deliver immediate results.

"I don’t want to put a lot of pressure on myself for next season," he said. "I will just try to enjoy, try to be fast, to have the speed, and be competitive. After this first season, for sure, my goal is to stay in the top five and to do more podiums, fight for more victories. But we have to start with calm, with a good mentality, don’t put a lot of pressure, and [take things] step by step."

Aldeguer’s measured approach reflects his maturity and understanding of the challenges involved in MotoGP. While he undoubtedly harbors ambitions of racing for the factory Ducati team in the future, he recognizes the importance of gradual progress and consistent performance.

The MotoGP landscape is constantly evolving, with manufacturers continually pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation. The impending changes to the technical regulations in 2027, which are expected to include revisions to engine capacity and aerodynamic restrictions, will further reshape the competitive landscape.

Ducati, as one of the leading manufacturers in MotoGP, is actively involved in developing its future strategies and technologies. The manufacturer’s decision to allocate the GP26 machine to Alex Marquez for the 2026 season suggests a strategic approach aimed at maximizing its chances of success in the final year of the current regulations.

Marquez, who has previously raced for Honda and LCR Honda, brings a wealth of experience to the Gresini Racing team. His familiarity with different manufacturers and racing styles could prove valuable in the development of the GP26 machine.

The competition for factory seats in MotoGP is fierce, with numerous talented riders vying for the opportunity to race for the top teams. Aldeguer’s impressive rookie season has undoubtedly positioned him as a strong contender for future factory rides, but he faces stiff competition from other young stars such as Pedro Acosta, who is currently racing for the Tech3 GasGas Factory Racing team.

Acosta, who has already secured multiple podium finishes in his debut MotoGP season, is widely regarded as one of the most promising talents in the sport. His aggressive riding style and unwavering determination have drawn comparisons to MotoGP legend Marc Marquez.

The battle for factory seats and championship glory is set to intensify in the coming years, as MotoGP continues to attract new fans and expand its global reach. Aldeguer’s journey in MotoGP is just beginning, and his future prospects appear bright as he continues to hone his skills and gain experience in the premier class. His focus on incremental improvement and a measured approach to success may well be the key to unlocking his full potential and ultimately achieving his ambition of racing for the factory Ducati team.

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