Fermin Aldeguer will miss the MotoGP season opener in Thailand due to his thigh injury – Gresini puts its faith in Ducati test rider Michele Pirro
The Gresini team will have to do without Fermin Aldeguer at the start of the MotoGP season. After already missing the Sepang test, the Spaniard will not take part in the official test rides in Buriram (February 21/22) or the subsequent Thailand Grand Prix (February 29 to March 1).
The reason for this is a thigh injury that has not yet fully healed. During a private motorcycle training session at the beginning of January, Aldeguer crashed and suffered a fracture in his left thigh, requiring surgery.
A possible return for Buriram was recently on the cards, but it is now clear that his recovery is not yet sufficient for him to compete in Thailand.
The team officially confirmed the forced break on Thursday. Ducati test rider Michele Pirro will step in as a replacement. Pirro had already taken part in races at the end of 2025, replacing the injured Marc Marquez in two races.
Gresini said: ” Fermin Aldeguer’s recovery is progressing quickly, but not quickly enough for him to compete in Thailand. The Spaniard will not be taking part in the tests in Buriram or the first race of the season. Michele Pirro will replace him.”
Due to his absence in Thailand, his earliest possible comeback will be at the Brazilian Grand Prix on March 22, around three weeks after the start of the season.
The forced break comes at an inopportune time for Aldeguer, as it significantly complicates his preparation for his second MotoGP season. The Spaniard is under contract directly with Ducati and had entered the 2026 season with high expectations. Last year, he won the Rookie of the Year title for Gresini and claimed his maiden victory at the Indonesian Grand Prix.
While Aldeguer remains sidelined, Jorge Martin is expected to return for testing in Thailand. The Aprilia rider has missed the preseason so far due to further surgery. Fabio Quartararo of Yamaha is also set to return to action after breaking his finger on the first day of testing in Sepang.
