P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Gresini MotoGP rider Fermin Aldeguer will miss the opening round of the 2026 season as he continues his recovery from a leg fracture in the off-season
Gresini MotoGP rider Fermin Aldeguer will miss the 2026 season’s opening round due to recovering from a leg fracture sustained in the off-season.
Aldeguer’s left femur injury prevented him from participating in pre-season tests and the first race in Thailand, with his return likely targeted for the Brazilian Grand Prix in the second round of the season.
The delay hampers Aldeguer’s attempts to enhance his standing in the competitive 2027 rider market, as Ducati may already be planning for a line-up shift involving Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta.
The rival Acosta might take Aldeguer’s place at Ducati, but considering his injury and Ducati’s interest in retaining him for the long term, the situation could be manageable for the Spanish rider.
In Aldeguer’s absence, Ducati’s tester Michele Pirro will ride at Buriram, continuing his long MotoGP career which included stints in various teams before as a Gresini rider in the early 2010s.
Overall, the focus remains on Aldeguer’s recovery and potential return, ensuring a secure future in MotoGP despite the setback.
