FERMIN ALDEGUER TO MISS MOTOGP SEASON OPENER
Fermin Aldeguer will miss the first round of the 2026 MotoGP season in Thailand as he continues to recover from a broken leg. Gresini Racing has confirmed that Ducati test rider Michele Pirro will replace him at Buriram.
The 21-year-old Spaniard had already missed the first pre-season test in Sepang. There was still hope he could return in time for the second test and the season opener on 1 March, but the team has now confirmed he will not be ready.
Aldeguer suffered the injury in January while training at the Aspar Circuit in Valencia. He crashed his Yamaha R6 and broke his left femur. He later underwent surgery in Barcelona.
He is now working with a specialist medical team in Andorra to continue his rehabilitation. A broken femur is a serious injury and requires time to fully heal.
Pirro, an experienced Ducati test rider, will stand in for the Thailand round. He has previously replaced injured riders and knows the Ducati machinery very well.
Aldeguer is now expected to return no earlier than the Brazilian Grand Prix on 22 March. Missing testing and the opening race will make the start of his season more difficult.
Last year, Aldeguer impressed in his rookie season with Gresini Racing, winning the Rookie of the Year title. While his absence in Thailand is disappointing, his full recovery remains the priority.
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