Marco Bezzecchi
Fermin Aldeguer will continue to ride a Ducati MotoGP bike until at least the end of 2028 after the Italian team extended his contract, according to a report.
Aldeguer will miss this weekend’s Thailand Grand Prix through injury after breaking his femur in a pre-season crash, but his strong rookie season was enough to earn an extension.
While the Spaniard was the lowest-ranking Ducati in the standings, he was one of only six riders on the grid to win a race, taking his maiden victory in Indonesia. Aldeguer scored six podiums in total, including Sprints.
Fill in the blank: Fermin Aldeguer will win ___ MotoGP titles in his career.
His form was strong enough to put him on the radar of rival MotoGP factories, but Ducati have now moved to lock him down.
Ducati take up option to extend Fermin Aldeguer’s contract
Ducati had the option to extend Aldeguer’s contract for a further two years, and they have done so without the need for extensive negotiation, as reported by Speedweek.
Aldeguer was a contender for a factory ride before he got injured, paving the way for fellow Murcian Pedro Acosta to land the seat next to Marc Marquez instead.
While Aldeguer has been linked with VR46, Speedweek believe he’s more likely to stay with Gresini. Based on his performances for Nadia Padovani’s team, there’s no reason to make a change.
Will Fermin Aldeguer be the successor to Marc Marquez at Ducati?
Alex Marquez is expected to join KTM, so Aldeguer should offer Gresini some continuity. Padovani will have to shop the market for a teammate.
Aldeguer was expected to ride a factory bike this year, but that privilege instead went to Marquez in recognition of his stellar runner-up finish in 2025.
Is Fermin Aldeguer the successor to Marc Marquez at Ducati?
Aldeguer has effectively accepted that he won’t be a factory rider until his fifth MotoGP season at the earliest. Together with Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi, who recently extended his deal, he is one of the first riders committed beyond 2027.
It makes sense for the youngster to bide his time. Marc Marquez remains in negotiations with Ducati over an extension as the world champion pushes for a one-plus-one deal (rather than two years guaranteed).
If Marquez is open to leaving at the end of 2027, with a return to Honda mooted, then the Ducati door could soon be open for Aldeguer.
And even if he stays until 2028, Aldeguer will be rewarded for his patience as long as he progresses at the expected rate. Gresini looks like the ideal environment for him to flourish.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
