P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Gresini Ducati has confirmed Fermin Aldeguer will miss the opening round of the 2026 MotoGP season in Thailand.
Gresini Ducati has confirmed that Fermin Aldeguer will not be able to participate in the opening round of the 2026 MotoGP season in Thailand due to a left femur fracture suffered in January during training.
Despite undergoing surgery for the injury, Aldeguer will not be fit in time for testing at Buriram and the season opener on 27 February.
The 20-year-old’s focus will remain on his rehabilitation with the goal of returning for the Brazilian Grand Prix in March.
Ducati has announced that Michele Pirro will step in as Aldeguer’s replacement for both testing and the Thai Grand Prix weekend.
Aldeguer impressed in his rookie season in 2025 by winning a MotoGP race and will now have to wait to make his mark in the 2026 season.
