Here’s a bold statement: Fermin Aldeguer is quietly staking his claim for a factory Ducati MotoGP seat, and his journey is far more intriguing than you might think. But here’s where it gets controversial—while many see his 2025 season as a mere learning curve, others believe he’s already proving himself as a future factory rider. Let’s dive into why this young talent is turning heads and sparking debates in the paddock.
When Fermin Aldeguer stepped up to MotoGP this year with Gresini Racing, expectations were a mixed bag. His late-season heroics in Moto2 in 2023 earned him a fast-tracked MotoGP contract, but his final year in the intermediate class left fans and pundits divided. Riding on Pirelli tires for the first time, Aldeguer’s performance was underwhelming, finishing only as the third-best rider on a Boscoscuro chassis. And this is the part most people miss—despite the initial skepticism, Aldeguer’s ability to adapt and improve as the season progressed hinted at his untapped potential.
The first two rounds of his rookie campaign were unremarkable, but everything changed in Austin. Starting 12th on the grid, Aldeguer stormed through the field, climbing to fifth place by lap 16, right behind Pramac’s Franco Morbidelli. A mistake at Turn 15 ended his race prematurely, but his aggressive charge left no doubt about his raw talent. Here’s the kicker—this wasn’t just a fluke; it was a turning point that showcased his ability to compete at the highest level.
‘The expectations for me changed a lot during the season,’ Aldeguer told Motorsport.com in Sepang. ‘We didn’t start in the best way, and all the rookies were outperforming me, but we had a good feeling and pace. Step by step, we’re getting to the top.’ He credited the Austin GP as his breakthrough moment, where he made a direct pass to Q2 for the first time and felt ‘super good’ in the race, closing the gap on Morbidelli before his crash. ‘That grand prix gave me significant confidence,’ he added. ‘It was the click I needed.’
One of Aldeguer’s standout traits this season has been his late-race pace, reminiscent of Enea Bastianini’s closing-stage heroics on the factory Ducati. This was on full display at the Austrian GP, where he recovered from eighth on the opening lap to finish just over a second behind race winner Marc Marquez. ‘I’ve always felt good with used tires,’ he explained. ‘Even in Moto2, I managed the last laps well. I don’t know if it’s my riding style or throttle control, but I’ve always felt stronger in the latter part of the race.’ But here’s the catch—while his late-race pace is impressive, starting closer to the front would reduce his need to charge through the field.
Aldeguer’s 2025 stats paint a promising picture: an average qualifying position of 9.35, one front-row start, five starts inside the first two rows, and an average finishing position of 8.9375. He’s secured one GP win, three GP podiums, and three sprint podiums, amassing 186 points. Yet, his results haven’t always reflected his true pace, as crashes in Jerez, Assen, and Sepang from promising positions highlight areas for improvement. The question remains—can he polish these rough edges and consistently deliver on his potential?
Looking ahead, Aldeguer’s goal is clear: securing a factory Ducati seat when the ‘transfer window’ opens in 2027. However, the path won’t be easy. Marc Marquez is in top form, and Francesco Bagnaia, despite a patchy season, still enjoys strong Ducati support. Even if a seat opens up, Aldeguer will face stiff competition, including from his own teammate, Alex Marquez, who has been on a tear in 2025 and will ride a factory-spec bike in 2026. Here’s the real debate—does Aldeguer have the long-term potential to outshine the younger Marquez, who will be 31 in 2027?
Aldeguer’s two-plus-two deal with Ducati gives him a shot at the official team if he delivers two strong seasons. ‘I’m 100% sure that if Ducati sees I’m ready, they’ll give me a seat,’ he said. ‘Otherwise, we’ll stay at Gresini.’ But as he prepares for 2026, racing a year-old Ducati alongside Alex Marquez, the pressure is on. The million-dollar question—can Aldeguer prove he’s factory material, or will he remain a promising rookie?
What do you think? Is Fermin Aldeguer the next big thing in MotoGP, or does he still have too much to prove? Let us know in the comments below!
