Fermin Aldeguer explains why he ‘distanced’ himself from Pedro Acosta after childhood friendship

Add as preferred source on Google

Fermin Aldeguer and Pedro Acosta are both hoping to be MotoGP’s next Spanish superstar. The Iberian nation has dominated the sport in recent years, with Jorge Martin taking the title last year.

Since Jorge Lorenzo lifted the trophy in 2010, 10 out of 14 championships have been won by Spaniards. Casey Stoner, Fabio Quartararo and Francesco Bagnaia have interrupted the streak.

Marc Marquez won six out seven between 2013 and 2019, and Joan Mir triumphed in 2020 following the Ant of Cervera’s injuries. Two young sensations are now emerging in Aldeguer and Acosta.

The latter is a step ahead, having made his debut in 2024. He produced an unforgettable rookie campaign that featured a maiden pole position and five podiums.

Aldeguer was steady in the first couple of rounds following his 2025 promotion, but he announced himself in Qatar. He followed up P4 in the Sprint with P5 in the Grand Prix.

Fermin Aldeguer says he had a clash of ‘personalities’ with Pedro Acosta

Journalist Manuel Pecino recently spoke to Acosta’s father, who revealed a strong connection with the Aldeguer family. But he also admitted that the two riders don’t get along.

Separated by just 11 months (Acosta is older), they both grew up in the Murcia region, which means they competed at the same tracks. In 2022 and 2023, they both raced in the intermediate class.

Acosta won the title just before his MotoGP move, with Aldeguer finishing 120.5 points behind in third. Though they were close when they were younger, there’s now a distance between them.

Speaking to SPEEDWEEK, Aldeguer suggested that Acosta’s suspicious demeanour was partly to blame. He admitted that it ‘feels different’ to race his compatriot, but insists they were never outright hostile.

He said: “It’s the rivalry… I think Pedro is very… I think he finds it a little difficult to trust people. The rivalry that we still have today – I recently fought hard against him again – was very strong, but always with a lot of respect, both in Moto2 and now.

“I can even tell you that it feels different when we overtake each other or fight for a braking point in a race than when you do it with others.

“Definitely positive… I think it’s ultimately just a matter of personalities, nothing more. We never had a fight or anything like that, but we distanced ourselves from each other because of our personalities, that’s all.”

Marc Marquez confidante reveals how he’d react to Pedro Acosta joining Ducati

Aldeguer is being mentored by Luigi Dall’Igna as he eyes a Ducati factory ride one day. But he could soon be up against Acosta.

It’s thought that VR46 are leading the race to sign Acosta, who’s growing frustrated at KTM. There’s no indication of which rider from the Ducati stable would make way.

Given his unique status within the sport, Marc Marquez could potentially stand in the way of a deal if he saw Acosta as a threat or a potentially disruptive figure.

However, one confidante says Marquez would welcome Acosta joining Ducati so they could go toe-to-toe on the same machinery. Acosta has been called the next Marquez, but he ‘hates’ that nickname because it creates too much pressure.