Fermin Aldeguer, MotoGP’s rookie for 2025, made a promising start in his first top-tier test with Gresini Ducati at Barcelona. Adjusting to the demands of the premier class, one of Aldeguer’s main challenges was mastering the rear height adjustment device—a cutting-edge technology unique to MotoGP bikes.
Speaking about his experience, Aldeguer shared: “I started using it from the very first lap because I told myself, ‘I have to get used to this quickly.’ The first run was crazy. At times, I was at full throttle but couldn’t unlock it [by braking hard enough], so I entered Turn 3 with the bike still lowered! But I used it on every lap, and by the end, I felt much more comfortable.”
Despite the steep learning curve, Aldeguer finished the test as the fastest rookie, placing 20th overall and trailing his new teammate, Alex Marquez, by 1.761 seconds. Reflecting on his performance, he remarked: “Being the top rookie was the goal, but we need to stay calm and progress step by step.”
Aldeguer’s transition to the premier class didn’t just involve the height adjustment device. Over 58 laps on the championship-winning GP24, he also adapted to Michelin tires, carbon brakes, and the overall power and speed of a MotoGP machine.
“Today, I’m very happy because I felt great on the bike from the first lap,” he said enthusiastically. “Everything is incredible—the acceleration, the speed. But the braking is what impressed me the most. It’s amazing how late you can brake and still stop the bike. That was tricky to grasp in the initial laps.
“Michelin tires are very different from Pirelli in Moto2, but it’s hard to pinpoint specifics since the bike is also different. The asymmetrical tires are noticeable, especially on the left side. However, it was a bit cold, and I lost the front [once], so I need more laps to fully understand them.”
The young Spaniard acknowledged that there’s more to refine in his riding style before considering bike setup changes: “I need to work a bit more on my style with this bike. It’s not yet time to think about settings—we’ll see how things go at Sepang. But both the Ducati team and my crew are happy, which is great motivation.”
Alongside fellow rookies Somkiat Chantra and Ai Ogura, Aldeguer is preparing for the physical demands of MotoGP, recognizing the importance of winter training. “Physically, I feel okay, just a bit of arm pain and from a hand surgery. But I’ll need to put in more effort for long races,” he added.
The three rookies are now gearing up for the Sepang shakedown test on January 31, followed by the official pre-season testing sessions. For Aldeguer, this debut marks an exciting beginning in his MotoGP journey.
