Buriram, Thailand – Gresini Racing’s Fermin Aldeguer will be sidelined for the opening round of the 2026 MotoGP season, the Thai Grand Prix on March 1st, as he continues his recovery from a fractured left femur. The news, confirmed by the team on Thursday, February 12th, 2026, dashes Aldeguer’s hopes of a swift return to competition following a training accident in January.
Aldeguer sustained the injury during a training session at the Aspar Circuit in Valencia, Spain, last month. He underwent corrective surgery in Barcelona and has been working with a specialized team in Andorra to accelerate his rehabilitation. Despite initial optimism, the Gresini team announced that Aldeguer will also miss the pre-season test at the Buriram circuit, further delaying his MotoGP debut this season.
“Fermin Aldeguer’s recovery is progressing rapidly, though not enough to see him in Thailand,” Gresini Racing stated. “The Spaniard will not be present at the Buriram tests or the first race of the season. Michele Pirro will replace him.”
Ducati test rider Michele Pirro will step in to fill Aldeguer’s seat for the Thai Grand Prix. Pirro is no stranger to substituting for injured factory riders, having previously filled in for Marc Marquez in two races at the end of the 2025 season. This experience will be valuable as he adapts to the Gresini machine and the demands of the Buriram circuit.
The injury represents a significant setback for Aldeguer, who enjoyed a successful rookie season in 2025, earning the Rookie of the Year title. The Spaniard’s performance, highlighted by a victory at the Indonesian Grand Prix, had generated considerable excitement around his potential in MotoGP. He is directly contracted to Ducati, adding to the expectation surrounding his sophomore season.
Aldeguer’s absence means his return to racing is now delayed until at least the Brazilian Grand Prix on March 22nd, three weeks after the Thai event. The extended recovery period will undoubtedly impact his preparations for the 2026 season, forcing him to play catch-up with the rest of the grid.
The timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate, as Aldeguer was already declared unfit for the first pre-season test at Sepang earlier this month. While he hadn’t completely ruled out a return for the Thailand race, the team’s decision to withdraw him from both the test and the race signals the severity of the situation.
The Gresini team will now focus its efforts on Alex Marquez and his adaptation to the latest-spec Ducati GP25 during the Sepang and Buriram tests. Marquez will be looking to build on his experience and deliver strong performances for the Italian outfit.
Pirro’s arrival provides Gresini with a capable replacement, but Aldeguer’s absence leaves a void in the team’s lineup. The Spaniard’s aggressive riding style and potential for podium finishes will be missed, and the team will be hoping for a swift and full recovery for their young star.
The MotoGP paddock will be closely monitoring Aldeguer’s progress in the coming weeks. A successful recovery is crucial not only for his own career but also for the competitiveness of the Gresini Racing team. The Brazilian Grand Prix will be a key indicator of whether he can regain his form and challenge for race wins in 2026.
