Fermin Aldeguer's MotoGP Journey: From Rookie to Potential Factory Rider
The rise of Fermin Aldeguer in MotoGP has been a captivating story, but his path to a factory Ducati seat is filled with twists and turns. Expectations were high after his impressive Moto2 victories, but his final year on Pirelli tires was less than stellar. Despite this, he secured an early MotoGP contract, though many viewed 2025 as a learning curve rather than a year for major triumphs.
But here's where it gets interesting: In Austin, Aldeguer showcased his potential, charging from 12th to 5th before an unfortunate mistake ended his race. This performance shifted the narrative, and he began to gain recognition.
Aldeguer's ability to maintain pace in the latter stages of races, reminiscent of Enea Bastianini's factory Ducati days, is a standout trait. However, his challenge lies in improving his qualifying positions to start closer to the front, as MotoGP's format heavily favors Friday practice and Q2 entry.
"The expectations for me changed during the season... But we had a good feeling and pace, and step by step, we're reaching the top," Aldeguer revealed. His breakthrough moment came at the Austin GP, where he qualified for Q2 on Friday and felt confident in the race.
His 2025 stats are impressive, with an average qualifying position of 9.35 and an average finishing position of 8.9375. He has secured one GP win, three GP podiums, and three sprint podiums, accumulating 186 points. Aldeguer's strength on worn tires is a valuable asset, but he aims to start higher up the grid to avoid charging through the field.
Aldeguer's determination to improve his qualifying performance is evident, as he aims to start in the top positions. He acknowledges the need for more time and experience to understand the bike's limits. When he qualified on the front row, he secured victory at the Indonesian Grand Prix, demonstrating his growing racecraft and maturity.
Despite some crashes from promising positions, Aldeguer believes his true pace hasn't always been reflected in race results. As a rider who was under 20 years old at the start of the season, he is on a steep learning curve. He admits that managing expectations is challenging when his performance exceeds the results.
Looking ahead, Aldeguer has his eyes set on a factory Ducati seat in 2027. However, the path is uncertain, as Marc Marquez's exceptional form may keep him with his current manufacturer. Francesco Bagnaia's inconsistent season raises questions, but he retains strong support from Ducati's leadership. Even if a seat becomes available, Aldeguer faces stiff competition, including from Alex Marquez, who has been rewarded with a factory-spec bike in 2026.
Aldeguer's contract with Ducati includes a two-plus-two deal, offering him a potential path to the official team by 2028. He believes his future is tied to his performance, stating, "I'm 100% sure that if Ducati sees I'm ready, they'll give me a seat." However, he clarifies that his contract doesn't guarantee a specific date for a move to the official team.
The upcoming 2026 season will be crucial, as Aldeguer will be one of the few riders racing a year-old Ducati. His performance against GP26 riders, especially Alex Marquez, will determine his fate in the MotoGP world. Will he solidify his status as a factory rider, or will he face more years of proving his worth? The journey continues, and the MotoGP community eagerly awaits the next chapter.
