Fermin Aldeguer admits 29-point rider has caught him by surprise in rookie MotoGP season

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Fermin Aldeguer’s talent is starting to shine through at Trackhouse. The rookie was frustrated with his first few races, but now he’s justifying Ducati’s excitement.

Aldeguer picked up just three points across the opening three rounds, leaving him near the foot of the table while teammate Alex Marquez – also on a Ducati GP24 – led the way. He showed scintillating speed in Austin and was on for a big result before he fell on a greasy track.

However, the Spaniard converted that pace into points in Lusail with a fine double top five in the sprint and the Grand Prix. That sprung him up to 14th in the championship.

He’s still 28 points and nine spots below the next Ducati of Fabio di Giannantonio. But after making a breakthrough, he looks on course to be the Rookie of the Year.

Fermin Aldeguer applauds Ai Ogura on start to MotoGP career

In an interview with SPEEDWEEK, Aldeguer was asked whether fellow rookie Ai Ogura has surprised him this year. Ogura is currently the lead newcomer with 29 points.

The Ducati’s pace advantage over the Aprilia means that’s unlikely to last. But Ogura will be judged against his stablemates, and he’s commendably just three points behind Marco Bezzecchi.

Ogura achieved the best debut result since Marc Marquez at the Thai GP when he finished fifth, and after he was disqualified in Argentina, he’s scored at four straight events.

The Japanese gem won the Moto2 title last season in a field that also included Aldeguer. He’s apparently benefitted from additional ‘support’ in the absence of Jorge Martin.

“Yes, it surprises me, especially at the beginning,” Aldeguer said. “But apart from the fact that he’s very fast and has a lot of talent, I think he has a competitive bike and that Aprilia will support him a lot.

“With Jorge off the track and doing well, I suppose he’s secured the support that was originally intended for Jorge.

“He’s clearly doing very well, but that doesn’t surprise me because he’s doing the same thing as he did in Moto2. He’s consistent, doesn’t try to overshoot, stays calm and gets the results. I believe that with his consistency, he will play an important role in MotoGP.”

Trackhouse aren’t happy with one thing Ai Ogura is doing in team meetings

Ogura’s ‘hand was shaking’ during his first MotoGP session, a surprising statement given the composure he showed in the races. With Martin injured again, Aprilia will be even more reliant on the 24-year-old.

Honda used to have Ogura on their books, but he only needed ‘five minutes’ to accept an offer from Trackhouse. The Japanese manufacturer may already regret losing him.

Naturally, he still has some weaknesses. For instance, Trackhouse want Ogura to talk more in their debriefs.

His ‘really short’ comments make it difficult for the engineers to adjust the RS-GP25. They’re having to prise information out of him, but the language barrier may be playing a part.