Picture this: a rookie sensation in MotoGP, battling through the ranks with raw talent and unyielding determination, all while eyeing the ultimate prize – a coveted factory Ducati seat. But is Fermin Aldeguer ready to claim his throne, or will internal rivalries and external pressures derail his ascent? Buckle up as we explore his electrifying rise and the heated debates surrounding his future.
Fermin Aldeguer, the other standout rider from the Gresini team, is vigorously pursuing a spot on the official Ducati MotoGP squad. When he transitioned to the premier class this year, riding for Gresini on a satellite bike – essentially a team not directly run by the manufacturer, using slightly older or modified equipment – opinions about him were divided. His remarkable string of wins toward the close of the 2023 Moto2 season secured him an early MotoGP deal, yet his last year in the middle category, which was his debut on Pirelli tires, fell short of expectations.
Admittedly, his performance picked up as he adapted to these new tires, but he still ranked only third among riders on the Boscoscuro chassis. Consequently, as he made the leap to MotoGP, optimism was cautious. Many viewed 2025 as a period for him to learn the ropes rather than aim for major triumphs.
His initial two races as a rookie passed without fanfare, but in Austin, Aldeguer finally left his mark. Starting from 12th on the grid, he surged into the top 10 right away and pushed further toward the leaders. By lap 16, he'd climbed to fifth, hot on the heels of Pramac's Franco Morbidelli. A slip-up at Turn 15 cut his race short, but that bold advance showcased his MotoGP potential.
“The outlook for me shifted considerably throughout the year because perhaps we didn't kick off strongly, and all the newcomers were outperforming me,” Aldeguer shared with Motorsport.com in Sepang. “Yet, we had a solid feel and rhythm – and gradually, we're reaching the pinnacle.
“I believe the Austin GP marked our turning point, as we secured a spot in Q2 directly for the first time on Friday.
“Following that, in the race, I felt fantastic. I was in fifth and closing in on Morbidelli. I had a crash with just a couple of laps to go, but the boost in confidence from that event was huge. That was my breakthrough moment.”
Fermin Aldeguer, Gresini Racing
Photo by: Gold and Goose Photography / LAT Images / via Getty Images
One of Aldeguer's most notable strengths this season is his exceptional speed in the latter stages of races, much like how Enea Bastianini used to thrive on the factory Ducati as tires wore down. This was vividly illustrated at the Austrian GP, where he bounced back from eighth place on the first lap to end up less than a second behind winner Marc Marquez.
“Truthfully, it's tough to pinpoint the source, but I've always performed well on used tires,” he explained. “Even in Moto2, I handled the final laps skillfully.
“I'm not sure if it's tied to my riding technique or how I manage the throttle – I've consistently felt stronger toward the end than at the start.
“We need to enhance our early-race performance to excel in the closing phases.”
Aldeguer’s 2025 stats
Average qualifying position
9.35
Front-row starts
1
Starts inside first two rows
5
Average finishing position
8.9375
GP wins
1
GP podiums
3
Sprint podiums
3
Points
186
Being adept at handling worn tires is a powerful asset, but Aldeguer wouldn't have to navigate through the pack so frequently if he could consistently start nearer the front.
MotoGP's qualifying system heavily emphasizes Friday practice sessions, where securing automatic entry into Q2 (the final qualifying session for the top spots) can define your weekend. Even skilled riders often struggle to progress from Q1 (the initial qualifying round) in this competitive environment.
In eight of the first 20 races, Aldeguer qualified outside the top 10 – an issue he's tackling alongside his talented crew chief, Frankie Carchedi.
“One of my objectives for the remainder of the season is to sharpen my lap times in qualifying and practice,” Aldeguer noted. “Qualifying in Q2 and starting in the top positions simplifies race management.
“This is something I aim to bolster, but it requires experience; learning to push limits on new tires, figuring out the bike's boundaries through testing and occasional mishaps.”
When he did snag a front-row spot, he capitalized on it for a win at the Indonesian Grand Prix. Sure, Marco Bezzecchi's early mistake eliminated some top contenders, but Aldeguer displayed enhanced racing savvy and composure to secure his first MotoGP victory.
That said, he acknowledges that his finishes haven't always matched his true potential. Mishaps in Jerez, Assen, and Sepang, all from strong positions, indicate refinements are needed. Still, this is typical for a rider who turned 20 during the season.
“I feel in certain races, we were quicker and more competitive than the outcomes suggested. Managing that mentally was challenging because feeling superior to your result leaves you disappointed,” he confessed, having earned Rookie of the Year honors in Malaysia.
“But it's a valuable lesson for gaining wisdom and progressing.”
Fermin Aldeguer, Gresini Racing crash
Photo by: Asif Zubairi / Motorsport Network
Focusing solely on his successes, Aldeguer's MotoGP trajectory looks promising. He still has areas to refine before his second year in 2026, but he's built a sturdy base for enduring achievements.
Unsurprisingly, Aldeguer is aiming for a factory Ducati position when MotoGP's rider market opens in 2027.
Of course, it's uncertain if an opening will even arise. Marc Marquez is at the peak of his form and might not risk switching manufacturers, despite uncertainties with upcoming rule changes that could shake up the dominance. The greater uncertainty lies with Francesco Bagnaia, given his inconsistent results this year, yet the two-time champion retains firm backing from Ducati's leadership.
But here's where it gets controversial... Even if a spot frees up at the official Borgo Panigale team, Aldeguer faces stiff rivalry, including from his Gresini teammate. Alex Marquez has enjoyed an outstanding 2025 and has already secured a factory-spec bike for 2026. Aldeguer must demonstrate superior long-term promise over the 31-year-old Marquez by 2027.
The Gresini newcomer reportedly has a two-plus-two contract, allowing Ducati to retain him until 2028 if they choose.
“I'm under contract with the Ducati factory,” Aldeguer stated. “In the agreement, solid performances in two years could open the door to the official team. It hinges on results and my capabilities.
“I'm fully confident that if Ducati believes I'm prepared, they'll offer the seat; otherwise, we'll remain at Gresini.”
Clarifying his stance, he added: “We discuss it, but not in terms of 'potentially on this date in 2027, you'll move to the official squad.'
“It simply provides reassurance. Strong results might make that chance materialize.”
And this is the part most people miss: Aldeguer will be one of just two riders on the 2026 grid using last year's Ducati model. His performance against the new GP26 bikes, especially compared to Alex Marquez, will be crucial in proving he's ready to step up from a promising newcomer to factory-level talent.
Read Also:
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Alex Marquez doesn't see GP26 ride as audition for factory Ducati seat
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Fermin Aldeguer: Factory Ducati snub "difficult" to accept but "it's not my moment yet"
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