One signing didn't generate as much buzz as it deserved. Next year, Fermin Aldeguer will join Ducati VR46 in MotoGPThis seems somewhat strange given the dynamics between the two parties. Analysis.
A signature synonymous with regression?
Nobody talks about it because it's been known for a long time. Since the beginning of the year, we've known that Fermin Aldeguer will go and bring glory to the Ducati VR46, coming from Gresini. Admittedly, the writing of these few lines is strange; to put it like that, It feels like a regression.
But is that just an impression? Compared to Gresini, who has imposed all his riders since becoming independent in early 2022 – including Aldeguer himself – Ducati VR46 hasn't performed as well. Yes, there was a good season for Marco Bezzecchi in 2023, finishing third in the overall standings. Now, Fabio Di Giannantonio is also very good. just 24 points behind the leader after 11 racesBut Gresini, in less time, demolished Enea Bastianini, who had one of the best underdog campaigns of all time in 2022. In 2023, it was more difficult. But then there was the Fabio Di Giannantonio revelation towards the endAnd then, a resurgence for Alex Marquez with a few rare but impressive feats. In 2024, it was Marc Marquez, of course very fast for his comeback. Then, in 2025, an exceptional season for Alex Marquez, finishing second in the overall standings.
There is a gap between Gresini and Ducati VR46. Unfortunately, financial difficulties have forced Nadia Padovani's team to let VR46 take over the Ducati satellite teams. However, if we stick to the trail, it should have been themAldeguer thus finds himself parachuted into Ducati VR46, a team that has never included a single non-Italian since the creation of the Moto3 team in 2014That is, his whole story. It seems like it lacks coherence, but in reality, it can be explained.
A default choice
How can this oddity be explained? Actually, it's quite simple: Davide Tardozzi and Gigi Dall'Igna, the architects of Ducati's success in MotoGP, have repeatedly stated that Fermin Aldeguer embodies the future of the brand in the premier categoryAs a reminder, he was signed in early 2024, based on a few Moto2 race wins, directly by Ducati, only to arrive in early 2025. The only problem: where to place him? Gresini was the favorite, but they didn't meet the financial requirements to continue running the Ducati Desmosedici. This waiting period was very difficult for Padovani and his teams to manage, since at one point, They simply didn't have any more motorcycles for 2027! VR46 therefore jumped at the opportunity, taking on the role of the company's first satellite team.
Tardozzi couldn't move Aldeguer to the factory team ahead of Marc Marquez, of course; that wouldn't have made any sense. And besides, they first had to send Pedro Acosta alongside him, a perfectly logical choice. So, VR46 was the only remaining option to retain Fermin., especially at the time the decision was made. This is why he will find himself in unfamiliar territory.
So, was Aldeguer right? Well, he didn't really have any other choice: the Spaniard wanted to stay with Ducati, who envisioned a bright future for him. perhaps after Marc Marquez's retirement at the end of 2028He remains a factory-supported rider, benefiting from state-of-the-art equipment. In my opinion, this is obviously not a bad option, but I sincerely believe that, in terms of teams, Ducati VR46 is simply less suited to showcasing his talent than Gresini Racing, one of the absolute benchmarks in the world of private teams, across all categories.
A godsend
From Ducati VR46's perspective, however, it's a success. Uccio Salucci and Pablo Nieto have rather easily acquired one of the best prospects of recent years, thereby strengthening their ties with Ducati by securing the privileged satellite team position. It's a well-played move, and it deserves praise. I simply hope that Aldeguer's integration into the VR46 organization will be seamless. because Rossi has always favoured training ItaliansWith this signing, "The Doctor" and his team embody a different role than the one they've played until now. Will Aldeguer feel like he's part of a real family, like the one he knew at Gresini, one of the warmest and most loving teams according to Marc Marquez? himself That's my question mark.
I'm curious to know what you think of this transfer. Who do you think is making the right move? Tell me in the comments!
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport