MotoGP: Fermin Aldeguer signs two-year deal with Ducati

Fermin Aldeguer will make his MotoGP debut next year after agreeing a two-year deal with Ducati.

The 18-year-old put the paddock on high alert towards the end of the 2023 Moto2 season when he won the final four races of the year. Aldeguer ended his campaign third overall.

As things stand it’s not known which of Ducati team’s Aldeguer will ride for, although Prima Pramac Racing are likely the favourites. Aldeguer’s two-year deal also includes the option of a further two years.

“I’m ecstatic to have this opportunity; thanks to Ducati, I’ll realise the dream I’ve pursued since childhood,” Aldeguer said. “The time has arrived to take the big leap and compete with the world’s finest riders, and what’s more, I’ll be doing it with the best bike on the grid. I want to express my gratitude to Ducati, especially to Gigi Dall’Igna, for their faith in me from the beginning of our discussions.

“I extend my thanks to Luca Boscoscuro for everything we’ve shared and for what lies ahead of us this year. I’m also grateful to my family, my manager, Héctor Faubel, and everyone who, in one way or another, has contributed to my journey here.

“Now that I know what the future holds, it’s time to focus solely on this season, where I face a significant challenge in Moto2. I’ll give my all to leave this category with my head held high, aiming for the best possible results before embarking on the new adventure in MotoGP.”

Aldeguer made his Grand Prix debut in the Moto2 class during the 2021 season, finishing 12^th on his maiden outing at the Italian Grand Prix. He finished 15^th overall in his first full campaign in 2012, finishing fourth in two of the final three races.

It was last year when the big breakthrough came for the Spaniard. After a tough start, Aldeguer secured a maiden victory, and podium, at Silverstone before going on to podium at Mandalika and Phillip Island. He then won the final four races of the season.

“I would like to welcome Fermín to the Ducati family warmly, and we can’t wait to see him riding our Desmosedici GP,” Gigi Dall’Igna, Ducati Corse General Manager, said. “I am thrilled with this agreement because Aldeguer is one of the strongest riders in the new generation of MotoGP.

“Over the last few years, we have followed his evolution; during the last season, he showed incredible speed. He is a very young guy with the potential and characteristics to do well, and we will give him all the technical support to help him grow.”