A MotoGP season faces an unexpected twist as rising star Fermin Aldeguer faces a lengthy recovery from a serious leg injury. Last week, while training at the Aspar Circuit in Valencia, just weeks before the pre-season testing in Malaysia, Aldeguer, the Gresini MotoGP rider, suffered a fractured femur. This unfortunate incident has cast a shadow over his upcoming season.
Aldeguer, who clinched victory at last year's Indonesian Grand Prix, underwent surgery in Barcelona. The operation was successful, according to Gresini, but the road to recovery remains uncertain.
The good news is that Aldeguer himself has shared a positive update. He took to social media, stating, "The worst is behind us. Time to restart with the same fighting spirit. We’ll be back soon!" This fighting spirit is exactly what his fans want to hear.
Witnessing the crash were Ducati test rider Michele Pirro, along with other prominent riders like Marc Marquez and Maverick Vinales. Pirro described the crash as "bad," underscoring the severity of Aldeguer's injury.
Now, let's talk about the recovery. Femur fractures are known for their lengthy healing times, potentially sidelining Aldeguer for several months. While Gresini hasn't released a definitive timeline, it's highly unlikely he'll be able to participate in the pre-season tests or the season opener in Thailand.
This leads to the question of replacements. Ducati and Gresini have limited options. Michele Pirro is often the go-to substitute for Ducati teams. However, his role in testing is crucial this year as Ducati accelerates the development of its 2027 machine. This could make Ducati hesitant to risk Pirro in a race.
Here's where it gets interesting. Ducati could consider Nicolo Bulega as a potential replacement for Aldeguer at the start of the season. Bulega, a World Superbike star, is eligible to participate in the Sepang test and the first two races. This would also allow him to gather valuable data for the 2027 development later in the year.
Gresini is scheduled to unveil its 2026 season livery on January 31 in Malaysia.
What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you think Bulega is the right choice? Share your opinions in the comments below!
