Gresini team manager Michele Masini has expressed optimism that Fermin Aldeguer will make his MotoGP return at the Brazilian Grand Prix in 2026, provided he successfully passes a fitness test. Aldeguer, who suffered a fractured femur in a crash while training at the Aspar Circuit in Valencia this January, is currently recovering from surgery performed in Barcelona.
The Spanish rider, only 20 years old, missed the first pre-season test in Sepang, as well as the upcoming test in Buriram and the Thai Grand Prix. Ducati test rider Michele Pirro will fill in for Aldeguer at the Thailand round.
Details on Aldeguer’s Injury and Recovery Progress
Aldeguer’s injury occurred during a superbike training session, casting uncertainty over his 2026 season debut. At Gresini’s bike launch event in late January, Aldeguer confirmed he would not participate in the Thai Grand Prix, as he was still recovering at home. However, he has identified the Brazilian Grand Prix as a possible point for his comeback, though the team’s confidence in this target had been tentative until recently.
Despite not yet joining the team in 2026, Aldeguer maintains constant communication with Gresini to stay involved in preparations. Masini remarked that the team believes Aldeguer’s fitness will be sufficient for the second race of the year, scheduled from March 20-22 in Goiânia, Brazil. This event marks MotoGP’s return to Brazil for the first time since 1992.
“I think we’re pretty sure he’ll be in Brazil,”
Masini stated, via Motorsport.com. “He’s been working very hard to be ready for Buriram. But we have to assess the risk and the condition of the bone. So, we’ll wait for the doctors’ response.”
He added,
“We’re in constant contact with him at every session. He’d like to know everything. He’s spoken with his chief mechanic, Frankie Carchedi, who’s here to follow the progress.”
“We miss Fermin a lot, but we’re also continuing to work for him because we’d like to be ready when he gets back on a bike.”
Michele Pirro to Replace Aldeguer at Thai Grand Prix Ahead of Brazil
Although Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi initially expected Aldeguer to return for the Thai GP after an estimated 50-day recovery period, the Gresini team has opted to field Michele Pirro in his place. This decision reflects caution due to Aldeguer’s ongoing rehabilitation.
The schedule provides a three-week interval between the March 1 Thai GP and the March 20-22 Brazilian GP, raising hopes that Aldeguer will recuperate sufficiently to compete in Brazil. Should he be unfit to race in Goiânia, his participation at the following round in Austin, Texas—the Americas Grand Prix on March 29—would also be unlikely.
In the event Aldeguer misses both Brazil and the Americas GP, his next chance for racing would likely be the Qatar Grand Prix on April 12, effectively delaying his full season return.
Implications of Aldeguer’s Potential Return for 2026 Season
The anticipation surrounding Aldeguer’s comeback reflects the high regard in which he is held within the MotoGP paddock. His recovery timeline will be critical in shaping Gresini’s competitive prospects early in the 2026 campaign, especially with their lineup relying on his performances. Close monitoring by the medical team and integration with his crew chief Frankie Carchedi will be essential to a smooth and safe return to racing.
As the Brazilian Grand Prix approaches, the MotoGP community will be watching closely to see if Aldeguer can overcome his injury and regain his place on the grid, offering him a chance to build momentum for the rest of the season.
