Fermin Aldeguer: The Rising Star of MotoGP and His Ambition for a Ducati Factory Ride
Fermin Aldeguer, the promising young talent from Spain, is setting his sights on securing a spot with the factory Ducati team by the year 2027. This ambitious goal comes on the heels of an impressive start to his MotoGP career, which already includes a remarkable first podium finish. Just two weeks ago, Aldeguer celebrated this milestone at the iconic Le Mans circuit, achieving this feat in only his sixth MotoGP race.
His journey to the podium has been a steady ascent, as he showcased his skills with an impressive fifth-place finish in Qatar just two races prior. Reflecting on his unexpected success, Aldeguer humorously remarked during an interview on a MotoGP podcast, “If someone had told me at the beginning of the year that I’d be on the podium in my sixth MotoGP race, I would’ve told them to go lie down.”
A Season of Rapid Improvement
Aldeguer’s season has been characterized by a gradual improvement in performance as he gains comfort with the Ducati machinery. His early outings included a crash in Austin while he was in pursuit of a top-four finish, followed by a strong showing in Qatar, where he finished just seven seconds behind the race winner, Marc Marquez. However, it was at Le Mans where Aldeguer truly shined, earning back-to-back podiums in both the sprint race and the main event.
As of now, he stands eighth in the overall championship standings, ahead of notable competitors like Ai Ogura and Somkiat Chantra, distinguishing himself as the top rookie of the season. This impressive performance indicates not only his talent but also his potential for future success.
Strategic Contract with Ducati
Aldeguer’s entry into MotoGP was meticulously planned; his transition was finalized at the conclusion of the 2023 season. He secured a four-year contract directly with Ducati, structured in two phases of two years each. This arrangement not only provides him with stability but also sets a clear trajectory for his career development.
At just 20 years old, Aldeguer is optimistic about his prospects. He believes that if he continues to progress as anticipated, he could potentially earn a seat in Ducati’s factory team by 2027, coinciding with the expiration of contracts for star riders like Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia. “The goal of every rookie riding for a satellite team is to end up in the factory team – I’m lucky that my contract is directly with Ducati,” Aldeguer stated.
He further added, “This year we pretty much have the same bike as the factory riders. Given my age and this contract, I’ve got a bit of an advantage over the others.” His contract, which spans four years, includes a clause that could see him promoted to the factory team if his performance meets expectations.
The Role of Team-Mate Alex Marquez
Aldeguer has expressed gratitude toward his team-mate, Alex Marquez, for his guidance and support during this critical phase of his career. The dynamic between the two riders has been collaborative, with Marquez playing a pivotal role in assisting Aldeguer’s adaptation to the demanding world of MotoGP.
“Alex has opened the door for me in an incredible way – I expected that, given the kind of person he is, but he’s gone above and beyond,” Aldeguer shared. He recounted an anecdote where Marquez, in a moment of camaraderie, changed his tire choice at the last minute and rushed to inform Aldeguer to ensure transparency and teamwork. Such gestures highlight the supportive environment within the Gresini Racing team.
Aiming for Victory
Now that Aldeguer has secured his first podium, his next logical target is to claim a race victory. He finds this challenge both motivating and achievable, although he is careful not to let it consume him. “Now I do believe it’s possible to win a race in my first year, because I’m feeling really good,” he said. “When it happens, it happens. Some tracks will suit me better, others worse.”
One particular circuit that holds sentimental value for Aldeguer is Silverstone, where he achieved his first victory in Moto2. “Of course, I’d love for it to happen at Silverstone,” he mused, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective. “But I’m not going to lose my mind over it.”
Should he achieve this remarkable victory, Aldeguer would make history as the youngest winner in MotoGP, surpassing Marc Marquez’s record by a mere 13 days, as he would be just 20 years and 50 days old at the time of victory.
Conclusion
Fermin Aldeguer’s journey in MotoGP is just beginning, but his aspirations and achievements thus far suggest a bright future ahead. With a solid contract with Ducati, an encouraging team environment, and a determined mindset, Aldeguer is poised to make significant strides in the sport. The MotoGP community will undoubtedly be keeping a close watch on this rising star as he continues to develop his skills and chase his dreams on the racetrack.
