Fermin Aldeguer will miss the upcoming MotoGP pre-season testing at Sepang due to a fractured femur sustained during training. The Spanish rider’s crash occurred at the Aspar Circuit in Valencia during Marc Marquez’s first test since recovering from his own injury last year in Indonesia, overshadowing the event. Aldeguer was quickly transported to the hospital where he underwent successful surgery, aiming to return by the opening race of the 2026 season in Thailand.
Uncertainty Surrounds Aldeguer’s Return and Preparation
Gresini team principal Davide Tardozzi considers it “realistic” that Aldeguer could compete at the Buriram season opener, but emphasized the rider’s lack of track time on his Desmosedici due to missing testing in Malaysia. This raises questions about how prepared Aldeguer will be, especially as there is no guarantee he will be fully fit for the race. The injury bears resemblance to one suffered by Pedro Acosta during his Moto2 career in 2022, when he missed seven weeks. This situation forces Gresini to consider temporary replacements if Aldeguer cannot race.
Dorna’s Proposal to Introduce Third Riders for MotoGP Teams by 2027
The difficulty posed by Aldeguer’s injury has intensified discussions about changes in MotoGP regulations, particularly for the 2027 season. Reports from Motosprint reveal troubling concerns about Aldeguer’s recovery timeline, fueling speculation that he could be sidelined longer than expected. Should he miss races in 2026, Gresini and team manager Nadia Padovani would need to find a substitute. This has prompted Dorna, the MotoGP promoter, to advocate for a rule similar to Formula 1 where teams maintain three permanent riders.
With Liberty Media taking over MotoGP in 2025, the adoption of F1-style protocols is anticipated. From 2027 onwards, MotoGP squads could be required to have a third rider under contract, allowing for swift substitutions without disrupting team dynamics during the season.
Advantages of Having Reserve Riders in MotoGP
Currently, MotoGP teams rely on test riders to replace injured racers on an ad hoc basis, unlike Formula 1 teams which employ reserve drivers ready to compete immediately. The new proposal aims to formalize the presence of a permanent third rider who can step in seamlessly in case of injury, illness, or other absences. This change is expected to reduce logistical complications and better protect teams against unexpected rider unavailability.
Potential Stand-Ins if Aldeguer Cannot Race in 2026
Until the rule change takes effect, Gresini must address the immediate challenge of replacing Aldeguer if he cannot start the 2026 season. Ducati’s test riders stand as the primary options for temporary fill-ins. Michele Pirro, a veteran with numerous wildcard appearances for teams such as Pramac, Aruba, VR46, and the factory Ducati squad, is a likely candidate. His experience would not only provide continuity but also valuable technical feedback for Gresini and Ducati’s factory operations in Bologna.
Another strong contender is Nicolo Bulega, who debuted in MotoGP last year and is seen as a promising talent aiming for a full-time seat in 2027. Beginning 2026 with Gresini would offer him an ideal platform to prepare for a permanent MotoGP role.
Impact of Aldeguer’s Injury on Team Strategy and MotoGP Regulations
The injury to Fermin Aldeguer highlights the vulnerability pilots face and the ripple effects for their teams. Gresini’s immediate challenge underscores the need for a regulatory framework that can better accommodate sudden rider losses. If implemented, the third rider rule could significantly change team management, offering greater stability over long seasons.
Liberty Media’s influence is likely to steer MotoGP towards organizational models resembling those in F1, aiming to enhance professional standards and reduce uncertainties caused by injuries. As the sport evolves, Aldeguer’s situation serves as a catalyst for these potentially transformative rule adjustments.
