Marco Bezzecchi
Fermin Aldeguer is one of three rookies making the step from Moto2 to MotoGP in 2025.
The Spaniard is the youngest rider on the grid this season – and the 19-year-old has big shoes to fill. He will race with Ducati satellite team Gresini as the replacement for Marc Marquez.
His fellow compatriot will ride with the factory Ducati team alongside Francesco Bagnaia after finishing third in 2024. Aldeguer will partner with Marquez’s brother Alex Marquez at Gresini.
The 19-year-old will arguably be the most exciting rookie to watch in MotoGP this year given he will be riding the GP24. Last year’s Demonsedici machine won 16 out of 20 races and guided Jorge Martin to the title with Pramac.
Early signs from pre-season and practice at the Thailand Grand Prix suggest the GP24 is still the bike to have. Ducati will run with the 2024 engine in the GP25 as the likes of Aldeguer, Alex Marquez and Franco Morbidelli have a great chance for victory in the early races.
Morbidelli thinks victories are ‘definitely’ possible this year, but that may come too soon for Aldeguer who still has to get accustomed to MotoGP. However, his crew chief Frankie Carchedi has already seen encouraging signs in the data.
Frankie Carchedi says Fermin Aldeguer’s data has been ‘Marc Marquez-esque’ at Gresini
Aldeguer’s teammate Alex Marquez topped the timesheets in practice for the Thailand Grand Prix, sending him into Q2 on Saturday. The Spaniard was a standout rider in pre-season, consistently being at the front of the field in Buriram next to his brother.
Meanwhile, Aldeguer could only manage 20th, ahead of fellow rookie and local hero Somkiat Chantra. The final newcomer – Moto2 champion Ai Ogura made it to Q2 in ninth.
Despite not making it through, Aldeguer’s potential is clearly being recognised. Speaking on TNT Sports 2 in the commentary box during FP1, Neil Hodgson says he had a conversation with the Spaniard’s crew chief Carchedi.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Fermin Aldeguer with his rise to MotoGP and height
Having worked with six-time champion Marc Marquez at Gresini last year, Carchedi can see glimpses of the 32-year-old in Aldeguer through the data.
“I spoke to Frankie Carchedi who’s working with Fermin Aldeguer, he’s very impressed with what rider he’s got. The young 19 [year-old] sensation,” said Hodgson.
“He said I can see why he’s, obviously super talented, races really young. He said that some of things I’m seeing on the data is sort of Marc Marquez-esqe.
“The fact that he’s saying that. He said we’re still trying to figure out why he’s inconsistent. We saw a lot last year didn’t we with Fermin Aldeguer. He said what it looks like a little bit, his temperament when things aren’t going well, he gets stroppy. He throws his toys out the pram a little bit.”
The advice Marc Marquez has given Fermin Aldeguer ahead of MotoGP debut
The Gresini rider has great potential in MotoGP but he is far from the finished product. Aldeguer is looking to improve his braking after stepping up to the premier class.
At just 19, many would imagine his objectives will be different to his teammate. While Alex Marquez will be eyeing podiums and wins, Aldeguer will be given time to develop and will be managed properly.
Marc Marquez has spoken to Aldeguer about tyre management and riding style. The Gresini rider has an excellent mentor to learn from in the six-time champion.
While it may seem a stretch to predict the Spaniard to win in his rookie season, the GP24 will give him a great chance to do so. Aldeguer could become MotoGP’s youngest winner and beat Marquez’s record of 20 years and 63 days.
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