Gresini MotoGP race winner Fermin Aldeguer is recovering in a hospital after undergoing successful surgery on his broken femur, an injury sustained while training in Valencia last week. The Fermin Aldeguer MotoGP injury occurred during a practice session at the Aspar circuit and has ruled him out of upcoming MotoGP schedule plans.
Aldeguer’s Training Accident and Medical Response
Fermin Aldeguer, noted for being last year’s top MotoGP rookie, was riding alongside other established riders at the Aspar circuit in Valencia when the crash occurred. The incident led to a fractured femur, with immediate surgery scheduled in Barcelona according to information released by his team, Gresini. Over the weekend, Aldeguer underwent the procedure successfully; however, no details regarding a potential return or recovery timeline have been released publicly by Gresini so far.
The Gresini team stated,
Now it’s time to rest. We will provide further information in the coming days.
—Team statement
Ducati test rider Michele Pirro, who was also practicing at the circuit during the accident, commented on the environment at the time and the severity of Aldeguer’s crash. He explained,
“It was cold, but the track was in good condition. The circumstances aren’t entirely clear yet, but it was a bad crash.”
—Michele Pirro, Ducati test rider. Pirro also shared hopes for Aldeguer’s quick recovery.
Projected Recovery and Season Implications
Femur fractures of this nature can often require several months of recuperation before an athlete is able to resume full activity. At this stage, Aldeguer’s participation in the start of the 2026 MotoGP season in Thailand is considered highly unlikely. His absence may have a significant impact on both his team and the competitive dynamics of the upcoming season, especially with Gresini counting on his continued development.
Potential Replacement Riders for Ducati
Ducati faces a decision regarding a suitable substitute for Aldeguer in upcoming races. While Michele Pirro is a logical candidate due to his experience, Ducati may hesitate to deploy him given his scheduled involvement in the development of the 2027 Ducati challenger. The risk of further injury could disrupt this crucial project.
An alternative could be Nicolo Bulega, currently active in World Superbikes. Bulega previously stepped into the MotoGP scene in Portugal and Valencia, substituting for Marc Marquez and managing to score points during both appearances. In 2026, Bulega is set to become more involved with Ducati’s test program for future bikes. There is speculation that he could test Aldeguer’s GP25 at Sepang, though World Superbike commitments would preclude his involvement in the Buriram test. However, Bulega would be available for races in Thailand and the Brazilian Grand Prix, before needing to step aside again due to his primary Superbike schedule in Portugal.
Discussions have suggested Bulega may not begin focusing on the 2027 Ducati project until summer, but additional mileage on current machinery could help prepare him for that testing role.
Looking Ahead for Fermin Aldeguer and Gresini
Aldeguer’s recovery remains a priority for Gresini and fans alike, with the team set to provide updates in the coming days. The Fermin Aldeguer MotoGP injury serves as a reminder of the risks faced by riders, even during training, and has prompted Ducati to evaluate its options for the critical early stages of the new season. As anticipation builds for a potential return and the naming of a temporary replacement, attention across the MotoGP community remains focused on Aldeguer’s progress and the evolving plans for Gresini’s race lineup.
