Imagine one of the brightest young stars in MotoGP sidelined by a devastating injury. That’s the reality for Fermin Aldeguer, the Gresini Racing sensation, who recently underwent surgery after a harrowing crash in Spain. But here’s where it gets even more complicated: with the 2026 season looming, Ducati faces a tough decision on who could step into Aldeguer’s shoes. Let’s dive into the details and explore the ripple effects of this shocking turn of events.
Fermin Aldeguer, the 20-year-old prodigy who claimed a MotoGP race win with Gresini, is currently recuperating in a hospital following a successful surgery to repair a broken femur. The injury occurred during a training session at the Aspar circuit in Valencia, where he was joined by several MotoGP riders. And this is the part most people miss: despite the operation’s success, femur injuries typically require months of recovery, casting doubt on Aldeguer’s availability for the season opener in Thailand next March.
Gresini Racing confirmed the injury in a statement, noting that Aldeguer had fractured his femur and would undergo immediate surgery in Barcelona. The team later shared a brief update: “The operation was successful. Now it’s time to rest. We will provide further information in the coming days.” While fans eagerly await news of his recovery timeline, the focus has shifted to Ducati’s replacement strategy.
Here’s where it gets controversial: Ducati’s options are limited, with test rider Michele Pirro emerging as the most obvious candidate. However, Pirro is slated to begin development work on Ducati’s 2027 bike in the coming months, raising questions about whether the team would risk exposing him to potential injury in a race. Is Ducati willing to gamble with one of its most experienced riders, or will they look elsewhere?
Another name in the mix is Nicolo Bulega, currently competing in World Superbikes. Bulega made his MotoGP debut last season, filling in for Marc Marquez in Portugal and Valencia, and even scored points in both races. He’s set for an expanded role with Ducati in 2026 as a test rider for the 2027 project. But here’s the catch: Bulega’s World Superbike commitments could clash with MotoGP races, creating a scheduling nightmare. For instance, while he could theoretically test Aldeguer’s GP25 bike at Sepang in February, he’d miss the Buriram test due to the World Superbike opener in Australia.
Bulega would be available for the Thailand and Brazilian Grands Prix but would have to skip Austin because of a World Superbike event in Portugal. Reports suggest he won’t start riding the 2027 Ducati until summer, but additional race experience on current machinery could prove invaluable for his testing role. The question remains: Is Bulega the right choice, or should Ducati explore other options?
As the MotoGP world holds its breath for Aldeguer’s return, Ducati’s decision will undoubtedly spark debate. Michele Pirro or Nicolo Bulega—who do you think should fill the void? And what does this mean for Ducati’s 2026 campaign? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
