Picture this: Ducati, the powerhouse of MotoGP, is scrambling after its new champion Marc Marquez gets sidelined, throwing the team into turmoil alongside his former teammate Pecco Bagnaia. But here's the thrilling twist – their eyes are firmly on a rising star who might just be the next big thing: Gresini rider Fermin Aldeguer. And this is the part most people miss – with events unfolding at the factory team, Aldeguer's path to long-term success looks brighter than ever, provided he keeps exceeding the high bar he's set for himself.
Ducati enters the Australian Grand Prix this weekend in a state of uncertainty, especially with Marquez out due to his injury (as detailed in The Race's report on what Ducati revealed after his surgery) and the ongoing challenges with Bagnaia. Yet, their confidence in Aldeguer as a potential future champion seems incredibly well-founded at this moment.
Aldeguer's stunning victory at Mandalika last week wasn't just a fluke; it delivered on the promise he'd been teasing all through his debut season. The 20-year-old has been eagerly anticipating this weekend's Phillip Island circuit more than any other all year – it's the track where he triumphed in Moto2 last season. Looking ahead, the current shake-ups at Ducati's main team could work heavily in his favor, as long as he continues to meet and surpass the lofty expectations he's building.
What truly sets Aldeguer apart as such a standout talent?
Aldeguer's crew chief, Frankie Carchedi, has an impressive pedigree: he collaborated with Marc Marquez at Gresini last year and previously boosted Fabio Di Giannantonio's MotoGP prospects while securing the 2020 championship with Joan Mir at Suzuki. After the Mandalika triumph, Carchedi humorously recalled how Aldeguer had insisted Phillip Island would be his breakout spot, while he predicted it might happen a race sooner.
"At the beginning of the year, he kept saying, 'Phillip Island,' and I'd respond, 'No, Mandalika,'" Carchedi shared with The Race. "We'd go back and forth. I'd point out, 'Your riding style, the corners...' and he'd insist, 'Phillip Island is my track.' I even joked that #93 [Marquez] isn't half bad there either…"
Qualifying hasn't been Aldeguer's strongest suit so far. His best grid position – a second place at Mandalika – marked his only front-row start this year, and he's missed the top 10 in half the races. Carchedi explained that they've prioritized race pace over single-lap speed, with Indonesia being the first time they really focused on qualifying performance.
"We've got data tools that show average lap times, and from the third round onward – except for a minor issue at Catalunya – if you average his last 10 laps, he's consistently in the top three, often leading," Carchedi elaborated. "This tells us that if we can get him starting closer to the front, he's capable of achieving great things."
For 2025, Carchedi's approach with Aldeguer emphasizes growth and skill-building, leveraging the young rider's innate abilities while incorporating insights from his time with Marquez. "He's exceptional with the throttle, which is why his tires last so well," Carchedi noted. "He excels at managing momentum and maintaining incredible focus when in rhythm. Every rider has strengths; his lie in corner entry and hitting the apex just right."
"I'm fortunate to have worked with top talents – and I won't name-drop further, but it's from various years and riders – picking up valuable lessons. All season, we haven't tried to alter Fermin fundamentally; he's got his unique style. We've just added a few enhancements to amplify what he already does well."
The Mandalika performance was influenced by Michelin's introduction of a harder rear tire carcass, which didn't suit everyone but played to Aldeguer's strengths – he had previously shone with a late-race surge to second at the Red Bull Ring. Carchedi admitted this might have made the Indonesian event somewhat atypical. "The tires offered less grip, similar to Spielberg, and that's an area where he's extraordinarily proficient," he said.
It could have been a flawless weekend, but Aldeguer narrowly lost the sprint race to Marco Bezzecchi on the final lap after the Aprilia rider recovered from a poor start off pole. Bezzecchi's crash in the main race, which injured Marquez, removed a potential threat for Aldeguer on Sunday. Still, Carchedi believes Aldeguer gained valuable experience from the sprint defeat, particularly in race strategy, like overtaking Luca Marini's Honda early on.
"It was tough for him, leading his first race for so long only to fall just short," Carchedi reflected. "Rookies learn a lot from such moments, taking time to adapt to battling with the leaders."
Overall, Carchedi is thrilled with Aldeguer's progress in a season focused on development rather than outright results. "He's only 20, a rookie – he should be having fun," Carchedi said. "Right now, we're soaking in the experience, learning, and growing. It's all about education. We'll see how the year unfolds, but we're all aiming for victory, not second place."
Looking toward the horizon – and this is where things get really intriguing – Aldeguer's deal is directly with Ducati, including options for an additional two years past 2026. This agreement stemmed from his remarkable finish to 2023, where he dominated the last four Moto2 races, leading nearly every lap and charging from ninth to first at Lusail before pulling clear.
But here's where it gets controversial – how much of that success was purely Aldeguer's talent versus the unique Boscoscuro chassis he shared with teammate Alonso Lopez? A rocky beginning to the 2024 Moto2 season under new Pirelli tires fueled doubts, and with Aldeguer already confirmed for Ducati's MotoGP squad in 2025, public debate raged about whether Ducati had rushed into a decision based on hype alone.
Yet, the remainder of 2024 and his MotoGP debut have vindicated Ducati's gamble, highlighting his true potential. The chances of Ducati exercising its 2027/28 option on Aldeguer look promising, and it's doubtful he'll remain at Gresini that long. While Jorge Martin, Ducati's last rookie winner, never advanced to the factory team, Aldeguer might avoid those obstacles.
Marquez, at 32 with seven titles, could retire or return to Honda, and Bagnaia's future is uncertain (as explored in The Race's verdict on the Ducati crisis). Combined with the departures of Martin and Bezzecchi after Marquez joined the works team, and the fact that other Ducati riders like Alex Marquez, Franco Morbidelli, and Di Giannantonio aren't factory contenders, Aldeguer has a clear path to the premier red bike.
Of course, much could shift with 2027's new regulations, and riders from other brands might eye Ducati if their current machinery falls short. Aldeguer's rookie year has shown promise but also midfield qualifying and collisions that need fixing by 2026. Still, he's currently in prime position to spearhead Ducati's next chapter. At the right age with a solid contract and strong performances, he offers Ducati a cost-effective internal solution, strengthening their leverage in negotiations with external stars. Why splurge on outsiders when they've got a 'next Marquez' already in the fold?
And now, for the rivalry that could redefine MotoGP – we caught the first glimpse in Indonesia of a potential blockbuster showdown, one that promises to revitalize the sport with fresh energy and echoes of past rivalries.
Pedro Acosta finished second to Aldeguer at Mandalika and has long been the buzz around the 'future of MotoGP' narrative, blazing through Moto3 and Moto2 to join KTM's elite. Aldeguer's podium breakthrough might just ignite their rivalry further. The duo's connection is even more compelling: both hail from Murcia in southern Spain, contrasting the dominant Catalan scene. They're outspoken and bold, and coming from the same region has already sparked tension after years of competing.
While their families reportedly remain close, there's undeniable friction between these two driven personalities, which could lead to electrifying off-track drama as Aldeguer gains confidence. MotoGP has been dominated by polite, amicable riders like the VR46 Academy or the Espargaro brothers' circle. Aldeguer and Acosta bring a raw, competitive edge – and we're in for a decade of that entertainment!
But is this rivalry a blessing or a curse for the sport? Do you think Aldeguer truly has what it takes to step into Marquez's shoes, or is Ducati overhyping another young gun? And what about that controversial chassis debate – was it all Aldeguer's doing, or did the bike deserve the credit? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a counterpoint to add to the discussion!
