Marco Bezzecchi
Jorge Martin wasted no time in leaving Ducati after being denied a factory seat in MotoGP. A similar situation could be about to develop with their latest star, Fermin Aldeguer.
In Martin’s case, two opportunities to join Ducati came and went. In fact, Martin had actually signed with Ducati for 2023, but they ended up voiding the contract and signed Enea Bastianini, leaving the Spaniard at Pramac.
How would Jorge Martin’s MotoGP career have gone if he had joined Ducati?
After two more years with the Tuscany-based team, winning the title in 2024, he eyed a factory seat for 2025. However, Marc Marquez grabbed the Ducati seat over Martin, prompting him to rage quit the manufacturer and join Aprilia.
His situation is starting to mirror that of Aldeguer, who lost out on a factory seat for 2027 to Marquez and Pedro Acosta. However, he cannot afford to make Martin’s mistake.
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Fermin Aldeguer needs to bide his time and wait for factory Ducati seat
Aldeguer joined Ducati’s MotoGP setup in 2025 on a 2+2 deal, which has now been triggered, taking him to 2028. Already, the Spaniard has been denied certain benefits.
He was meant to have a factory bike for 2026, but that went to his Gresini teammate, Alex Marquez, instead. Then, Aldeguer was in contention for a Ducati seat in 2027, but his leg injury during the winter break took him out of contention.
His fellow Murcian and arch-rival Acosta will take Pecco Bagnaia’s place at Ducati next year, while Aldeguer will join VR46 alongside WSBK star Nicolo Bulega. The 21-year-old might have been frustrated by losing out on a factory ride, but he is in the perfect position.
Firstly, Aldeguer will get factory support from Ducati at VR46 in 2027. He will have the factory riders’ data to learn from, not to mention the invaluable mentorship from team owner Valentino Rossi.
He has the opportunity to lead a MotoGP team, and that will set him nicely for a factory seat in the future. In fact, the stars are already aligning for him.
Marc Marquez is believed to have signed his ‘last’ contract in MotoGP, insinuating that he will call time on his career in 2028. Should that happen, then Aldeguer will be ready to take his place.
Where does Marc Marquez/Pedro Acosta rank among the all-time great MotoGP line-ups?
Ducati are preparing Aldeguer for a move to the factory team in the future. He is, and has always been, in their long-term plans, but the Borgo Panigale outfit could not pass on the opportunity to sign Acosta for 2027.
Come 2029, the team could have MotoGP’s two hottest properties in Acosta and Aldeguer. All the latter has to do is bide his time, develop with VR46, and the seat should be his.
Of course, his results will need to impress, especially with the talented Ducati have secured for 2027. VR46 teammate Bulega and Gresini’s new signings, Joan Mir and Daniel Holgado, could be serious threats, so Aldeguer will need to be on top of his game to wear the red overalls.
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