Marco Bezzecchi
Ducati chief Davide Tardozzi has issued an update on when we can expect to see Fermin Aldeguer return to action following the young Gresini rider’s pre-season crash that resulted in a fractured femur.
After a mightily impressive debut campaign in the premier class that saw him net the Rookie of the Year title, Fermin Aldeguer’s preparation for the upcoming MotoGP season was thrown into jeopardy following a crash at the Aspar circuit earlier this month.
He sustained a fractured femur in the incident and was immediately taken to Barcelona in order to undergo surgery on the stricken limb.
The injury has already scuppered some future plans for the youngster. It has been suggested that Ducati have now removed Aldeguer from their shortlist of riders who could potentially replace Francesco Bagnaia at the team in 2027.
- READ MORE: Fermin Aldeguer’s physio admits what will be ‘impossible’ after his surgery for a fractured femur
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Davide Tardozzi says the Thailand Grand Prix is a ‘realistic’ return date for Fermin Aldeguer
During an interview with Speedweek at Ducati’s 2026 MotoGP season launch event, team principal Davide Tardozzi was asked about the recovery of the young Spaniard.
Upon his move to Gresini ahead of his rookie campaign last year, Aldeguer signed a multi-year agreement with Borgo Panigale and has been tipped to be a contender for Francesco Bagnaia’s factory seat in 2027.
The upcoming campaign may prove to be a pivotal one in the 20-year-old’s career plans, and Tardozzi has spoken out about when we can expect to see him back on the race track.
He said, “My wish is that he recovers in time for the first race of the season at the end of February. However, there’s currently a question mark hanging over that.
“We have to wait and see how his leg recovers after the surgery. Personally, I think it’s realistic, but the doctors have to decide if it’s possible.
“I see no possibility for Sepang, but there is a small chance for the test in Thailand. However, we certainly won’t push him to take a risk.
“Fermin is our future – we’re trying to prepare him for it in the best possible way.”
It is also unclear as to whether the Gresini star will be present for the Ducati satellite team’s launch at the end of January.
As alluded to by the Italian executive, Aldeguer has been tipped to be a part of Ducati’s factory plans in the future, but he still needs to prove that he has what it takes to ride for one of the top constructors on the grid.
- READ MORE: Fermin Aldeguer’s injury creates a win-win opportunity at Gresini for Ducati’s next MotoGP rider
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Pedro Acosta could block Fermin Aldeguer’s dream move to Ducati
Aldeguer shares a relatively unique relationship with Pedro Acosta through their Murcian heritage and similar age.
Acosta actually suffered a similar injury to Aldeguer during his time in the Moto2 category, as he was out for around seven weeks before making a return to action following the conclusion of the summer break in 2022.
The current KTM star has been on the radar of Ducati’s bosses for a while now, and their rivalry could take another downturn if Acosta is successful in securing the seat.
However, with Marc Marquez now an ageing commodity, his years in MotoGP are limited. Aldeguer could very well see himself riding for the factory team in future seasons, even if he isn’t adorned in the famous red overalls next year.
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