Marco Bezzecchi
Gresini have confirmed that Fermin Aldeguer will miss pre-season testing at Sepang following a fractured femur during training.
The Spaniard crashed at the Aspar Circuit in Valencia in what was Marc Marquez’s first test since his injury in Indonesia last year. Aldeguer’s accident overshadowed the event for Ducati as he was rushed to hospital.
Aldeguer underwent successful surgery, with the goal of a return to action by the first race of the 2026 season in Thailand.
Who should replace Fermin Aldeguer if he misses 2026 pre-season testing?
Davide Tardozzi thinks it is ‘realistic’ for Aldeguer to return to MotoGP in Buriram, but if he does, he will do so without useful mileage on his Desmosedici. The 20-year-old will miss testing in Malaysia, putting him on the back foot for his 2026 preparations.
There is no guarantee that he will be ready for the season opener. Pedro Acosta was out for seven weeks with the same injury during his Moto2 days in 2022, meaning that Gresini may have to replace Aldeguer.
Dorna are pushing for MotoGP teams to have three permanent riders by 2027 amid Fermin Aldeguer’s injury
The situation at Gresini has prompted speculation about a rule change for the 2027 season. As per a report from Motosprint, there are ‘disturbing rumours’ about Aldeguer and his condition, suggesting that he could be out for longer than anticipated.
If he is unavailable for the first race of 2026, or indeed any races after that, Gresini and Nadia Padovani would have to sign a replacement rider. This has led Dorna to push for a rule change seen in Formula 1.
With Liberty Media’s acquisition of MotoGP in 2025, it is no surprise to see some F1 workings make their way to the two-wheeled sport. Come 2027, this could include teams having third riders.
What MotoGP rule would you like to see Liberty Media change?
In F1, teams have reserve drivers in case their full-time stars are injured, ill or unavailable to compete at a race weekend. MotoGP teams do not have the same luxury, with manufacturers mostly relying on test riders to stand in for injured riders.
According to the report, the promoter will ‘propose’ and ‘push’ for the MotoGP teams to sign a third ‘permanent’ rider, starting in 2027. This would mitigate injuries during the season, as a dedicated rider can step in immediately.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Fermin Aldeguer with his rise to MotoGP and height
Who should replace Fermin Aldeguer if he is unavailable for Gresini at the start of 2026?
With this rule change not set to be implemented until next season, Gresini will have to look towards Ducati’s test riders to replace Aldeguer.
The Spaniard is now facing a race against time to be back fit for the season opener in Thailand. If he is ruled out of the race, Gresini have a couple of options to consider.
Michele Pirro has made countless wildcard appearances over the years, racing for Pramac, Aruba, VR46 and the factory Ducati team. He would certainly be available for Gresini and would provide valuable data for the team and the Bologna factory.
However, Gresini must bring in Nicolo Bulega if Aldeguer is unfit for Buriram. The World Superbike star made his MotoGP debut last year, and as he looks to land a full-time MotoGP seat in 2027, starting 2026 with Gresini would be the best preparation.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
