Gresini rider Fermin Aldeguer ruled out of Pre-season testing following injury

16:30, 26 Jan

Updated: 17:51, 26 Jan

byAndrew McLarney

Gresini rider Fermin Aldeguer is set to miss the first round of pre-season testing in 2026 following a training injury earlier this month.

Following a very impressive rookie season in which the Murcian picked up his first MotoGP race win Indonesia, Fermin Aldeguer has suffered some bad luck before the 2026 season has even begun.

It was announced by Gresini earlier in January that Aldeguer had suffered a femur break in training, with many fearing that it could derail the Spaniard's hopes of continuing his solid form over from last season.

While initial reports didn't seem too positive, Aldeguer's physio recently stated that he believes the rider could be fit enough to parttake in the season opener in Thailand on 1 March.

However, there are several rounds of testing set to take place prior to the Thailand Grand Prix, including two rounds of testing in Sepang, Malaysia on 29-31 January and 3-5 February respectively.

Given the severity of the injury, it should come as little surprised that Aldeguer has been officially ruled out of an early return, however we have seen riders make astonishing comebacks from severe injuries in the past.

Even last season, Jorge Martin returned to action after just three months following and accident which broke eleven of his ribs and collapsed his right lung. He additionally suffered a broken collar bone in the Japanese sprint race but still managed to make a return in time for the final round of the season in Valencia.

With Aldeguer sidelined temporarily, the Gresini team will be carried forward by the experienced Alex Marquez off the back of his most successful season yet. The injury could also open up opportunities for several Ducati test riders such as Nicolo Bulega to get some more track time and MotoGP experience.