Fermin Aldeguer’s Journey in MotoGP: A Rising Star

Fermin Aldeguer’s debut in MotoGP with Gresini Racing has been a captivating story of growth and resilience. Expectations were mixed as he transitioned from Moto2 to the premier class, especially after a season that had its ups and downs. While Aldeguer’s remarkable string of victories at the tail end of the 2023 Moto2 season had secured him a spot in MotoGP, his initial performances in the intermediate class left some observers wanting more.

The first year on Pirelli tires was a learning experience, and while his performance improved as he adapted to the new rubber, he was often overshadowed by peers on the Boscoscuro chassis. Thus, entering MotoGP, there was a prevailing sentiment that 2025 would primarily be a developmental year for Aldeguer rather than a season for significant achievements.

Early Challenges and Breakthrough Moments

The opening rounds of Aldeguer’s rookie season were marked by challenges. However, everything changed when he hit the track in Austin. Starting from the 12th position, Aldeguer made a stunning move into the top 10 right from the get-go. By lap 16, he had climbed to fifth place, trailing only behind Pramac’s Franco Morbidelli. Although a miscalculation at Turn 15 led to an early exit from the race, his performance signaled his potential in MotoGP.

Reflecting on his season, Aldeguer expressed how expectations transformed as he navigated through the ups and downs. "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," he shared in an interview. "But we had a good feeling and a good pace – and step by step, we are arriving at the top."

The Austin Grand Prix was a turning point for him. "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."

Late-Race Prowess: A Key Asset

One of Aldeguer’s most notable strengths this season has been his ability to maintain pace as the race progresses, reminiscent of Enea Bastianini’s late-race performances on the factory Ducati. This was particularly evident at the Austrian Grand Prix, where he recovered from an eighth-place start to finish just over a second behind the race winner, Marc Marquez.

Aldeguer acknowledged the challenge of pinpointing the source of his late-race speed. "Honestly, it is difficult to say where the late race pace comes from, but I always felt good with the used tire," he explained. "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."

While being proficient with worn tires is a valuable trait, Aldeguer recognizes that starting closer to the front would alleviate the need to make up ground later in the race. MotoGP’s current structure places substantial emphasis on Friday practice sessions, making direct entry into Q2 pivotal for a successful weekend. Aldeguer is keenly aware of this, having qualified outside the top 10 in eight of the 20 rounds so far.

"My goal for the last part of the season is to improve my lap times in qualifying and also in practice," Aldeguer stated. "When you are in Q2 and you start in the first few positions, it’s easier to manage the race. It’s just about time; to use new tires, try and figure out where the limit is, because I don’t know where the limit of the bike is at that moment. I need more time, more crashes, and for sure I took some time."

Triumphs and Setbacks

Despite the challenges, Aldeguer’s season has also been marked by significant achievements. When he qualified on the front row at the Indonesian Grand Prix, he converted that opportunity into his first MotoGP victory. Although Marco Bezzecchi’s mistake on the opening lap eliminated two of his competitors, Aldeguer’s ability to capitalize on the situation showcased his developing racecraft and maturity.

However, he acknowledges that his results haven’t always mirrored his actual performance on the track. Crashes in Jerez, Assen, and Sepang from promising positions indicate that there’s still room for improvement. Yet, Aldeguer remains optimistic, viewing these experiences as essential elements of his learning curve.

"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," he admitted. "But it’s a good opportunity for gaining experience and continuing to improve."

A Bright Future Ahead

Looking at the high points of his season, it’s clear that Aldeguer’s prospects in MotoGP are promising. Although there are areas he needs to refine before entering his second season in 2026, he has already established a solid foundation for future success. His ambitions are set high, with aspirations of securing a seat on the factory Ducati team when the MotoGP "transfer window" opens in 2027.

However, the competitive landscape remains uncertain. Marc Marquez is showcasing exceptional form, making it less likely for teams to gamble on a new rider, while the stability of Ducati’s lineup is also in question. The future of Francesco Bagnaia, despite his status as a two-time world champion, is also under scrutiny due to inconsistent performances.

Even if a seat becomes available on the official Ducati team, Aldeguer will face stiff competition, including from within his own Gresini team. Alex Marquez’s impressive run in 2025 has already earned him a factory-spec bike for 2026, meaning Aldeguer will need to demonstrate that he possesses greater long-term potential than Marquez, who will be turning 31 in 2027.

Reports suggest that Aldeguer is already under a two-plus-two deal, which would keep him within Ducati’s fold until 2028. "I have a contract with the Ducati factory," Aldeguer confirmed. "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 at Gresini."

Clarifying his contract situation further, he added, "We talk about this, but we are not talking ‘maybe on this date, in 2027, you will go to the official team.’ They are just bringing me calm. If I produce good results, this opportunity will arrive."

As Aldeguer prepares for the 2026 season, he will be one of the few riders on the grid racing a year-old Ducati. How he performs against the GP26 riders, particularly Alex Marquez, will be crucial in determining his trajectory from promising rookie to potential factory racer.

The journey ahead for Fermin Aldeguer is one filled with challenges and opportunities, and as he continues to evolve as a rider, the MotoGP community will be watching closely to see how this rising star navigates the path to success.