Let's talk MotoGP: Ducati has just succeeded in one of the riskiest bets of the 21st century

We have a new Grand Prix winner! Fermin Aldeguer put in a masterful performance at Mandalika, achieving the feat of winning his rookie season, something not achieved since Jorge Martin in 2021. The future is bright for the young Spaniard, who is the result of a crazy gamble by Ducati. Frankly, it's strong.

 

The genius of Ducati… and Dall’Igna

 

At the time, I found it hard to believe. When we learned that Fermin Aldeguer had signed with Ducati for the 2025 season – we didn't yet know which one – the latter had only six races as a reference, which is an extremely small sample. As a reminder, during the 2023 season, Fermin Aldeguer suddenly started riding like a world champion, winning the last four rounds of the year against the sacred Pedro Acosta, and often by a large margin. So, yes, it was rarely seen at this level of competition, but to confirm his arrival in MotoGP a year and a half later… you had to have the vision.

 

 

And Gigi Dall'Igna, who is known to be very involved in the Aldeguer case, got it. Other big names in motorcycling had also predicted it – I'm thinking of the illustrious Eric Offenstadt – Fermin would become a major force in MotoGP. For me, it was a little different. In my articles, I never ruled out the possibility that he would succeed, for several reasons. First, I never bet against the fire of youth. Second, what he had achieved in those four rounds was simply unheard of; I still have vivid memories of the Malaysian Grand Prix where he won by almost as much margin as last Sunday. Third, in his attitude, one could sense a future superstar. That's the inexplicable side of things: from the beginning, I detect in Fermin Aldeguer the aura of champions, the talent of the greatestI can't put it into words, but it's as if winning MotoGP was the next logical step.

Afterwards, to say that in an article to take the risk of signing him to a MotoGP team, there's a world of difference. Dall'Igna and Ducati have therefore succeeded in one of the craziest bets in motorcycling history, because, his 2024 season, it, was probably not up to expectations. And yet, it still works.

 

Ducati Gresini, the best possible environment

 

His victory in Indonesia was magnificent, I agree. However, it must be recognized that he arrived in MotoGP in ideal conditions. I sincerely believe that there is no better position than his on the grid. First of all, he rides the Ducati Desmosedici GP24, a bike that is one of the best of all time, undoubtedly even more powerful than the GP25. Second, he is at Gresini Racing, the best team at the momentHis victory means that Gresini, since their "independence" at the beginning of 2022, has imposed all its drivers, that is five people: Enea Bastianini, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Marc and Alex Marquez, and, now, Fermin Aldeguer. It's a real feat.. On top of that, his team manager (for bike #54) is none other than Frankie Carchedi, widely regarded as an ace in the paddock.

 

 

You still have to go and assert yourself, you might say.. And that's what Aldeguer did, in a striking way, on Sunday. In a weekend that reminded me of Marco Bezzecchi's in India, Fermin hit hard, pulling away considerably from the rest of the Ducati contingent, which was in serious trouble even though his teammate ultimately saved the day. He was strong over the three days, never rushed, and achieved two magnificent results. This was certainly no accident: his apprenticeship period is coming to an end, and he had already shown glimpses of his talent at other rounds in 2025.

Can he repeat this before the end of this exercise? Honestly, there's a chance. In my opinion, he will be the favorite at Phillip Island, a circuit where he is even stronger than at Mandalika. In the absence of Marc Marquez, there is no doubt that he will be fighting to win, galvanized by his recent exploit. It is rather unrealistic to imagine him winning every race by eight seconds, certainly, but on the other hand, Aldeguer, Bezzecchi and Marc Marquez are the only ones on the grid who have demonstrated several times that they have this ability.

 

Conclusion

 

I wanted to warmly congratulate him, because his case made me think a lot at the start of the season. During a discussion, I realized that this 20-year-old guy had incredible courage, to accept such a challenge so early, not in his career, but in his life. These guys never think about failure, about the risks inherent in the fleeting nature of this sport.. It's both inspiring and impressive, so kudos to him.

How did you feel after Fermin Aldeguer's victory? Tell me in the comments!

As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport