MotoGP star Fermin Aldeguer suffered a fractured femur during a training session in Valencia on January 8, just as Ducati prepared for the pivotal 2026 preseason. With his surgery scheduled for January 9 in Barcelona and the season opener rapidly approaching at Sepang International Circuit, Fermin Aldeguer’s preseason injury has cast doubt over his immediate MotoGP prospects.
Details of the Incident and Gresini Team Statement
The Gresini team confirmed Aldeguer’s misfortune with a statement on social media, sharing that their promising young Spaniard endured a break to the shaft of his left femur during training. Surgery was rapidly scheduled to address the injury, with the rider facing a significant recovery process on the eve of crucial MotoGP preparations.
“Fermin Aldeguer sustained a fracture to the shaft of his left femur during a training session in Valencia and is scheduled to undergo surgery tomorrow in Barcelona.”
– Gresini Team Statement
Impact on Aldeguer’s Season and Ducati’s Ambitions
Aldeguer’s rookie MotoGP year established him as a rising force, highlighted by a victory in Indonesia, podiums in France and Austria, and notable Sprint results in Aragon and Indonesia. These achievements set high expectations for his second season, fueling Ducati’s hopes for championship contention. The timing of this setback, only weeks before preseason testing, threatens not only Aldeguer’s immediate momentum but also Ducati’s broader objectives, as recuperation may force him to miss or perform below peak at vital test sessions.
The first race of the season in Thailand is quickly approaching, making his participation and competitive edge uncertain. Following the season opener, MotoGP schedules a grueling three-week pause before Brazil’s second round, offering slim opportunity for recovery or regaining form.
Uncertainty Surrounds Timetable for Return
Aldeguer’s recovery schedule is unknown and will depend on the outcome of his impending surgery. Ducati, along with the MotoGP paddock and his many supporters, waits anxiously for updates. In the meantime, Aldeguer must focus on rehabilitation, knowing that even with a rapid recovery, achieving full race fitness in time for Sepang and Thailand may be unrealistic.
The broader MotoGP community, including personalities like Marc Márquez and Andrea Iannone, as well as fans and analysts worldwide, are monitoring the situation. As his comeback remains uncertain, the fate of Ducati’s season and one of their most promising talents now hangs in the balance.
Significance for the Season Ahead
The implications of Fermin Aldeguer’s preseason injury extend beyond his own career trajectory, reverberating through Ducati’s MotoGP aspirations and shaking up expectations for rivals such as Rossi and Jordan. The Gresini team, based in Barcelona, must now reassess their preseason strategies amid mounting uncertainty. With the 2026 campaign set to begin in Malaysia at Sepang, followed by challenging rounds in Thailand and Brazil, all eyes are on Aldeguer’s recovery. His resilience in the coming weeks may determine not only his personal legacy, but the competitive landscape of the upcoming MotoGP season as well.
