Out of money and out of options at the end of 2019, it’s remarkable that Fermin Aldeguer has managed to climb through the ranks and reach the premier class just five years later. Ducati’s newest recruit has had a unique journey that has seen him overcome serious setbacks to sign the deal of his dreams.
Welcome to the @ducaticorse family, @Aldeguer54! 🤝
— Ducati Corse (@ducaticorse) March 18, 2024
The Spanish rider will move up to @motogp in 2025 as he has signed a two-year agreement that will see him ride a Desmosedici GP starting next year, with the option to extend his contract for another two years. #ForzaDucati pic.twitter.com/iL9euAYyM9
At the end of the 2019 season, after finishing third in the European Talent Cup with three podiums to his name, Aldeguer went in search of a ride in Moto3™ for the following year but without success. At the last minute a deal fell through and he was instead forced to search for a ride elsewhere. In stepped his now manager, former Grand Prix winner, Hector Faubel. The Spaniard gave Aldeguer a lifeline in the European Superstock 600 Championship and would begin to mentor the talented teen.
The Murcian didn’t look back from there, taking every opportunity with both hands. He won the title in his first year, earning himself a move to the Speed Up squad in the Moto2™ European Championship for the following year.
2021 would prove to be his breakout year as he broke records left, right and centre. At the age of just 16, Aldeguer won nine straight races, beating out his experienced teammate Alonso Lopez, to clinch the title and become the youngest rider to ever do so.
Plus, he enjoyed a foray into the MotoE™ World Championship and some replacement rides for the Speed Up squad in the Moto2™ World Championship - including a 12th place finish on debut at Mugello and a seventh on homesoil in Aragon.
The following year, at still just 16 years of age, Aldeguer was ready for his first full year in the World Championship arena and he didn’t take long to start setting yet more records. At Round 3 in Argentina, Aldeguer stormed to his first Moto2™ pole and become the youngest-ever intermediate class pole man, taking the honour from Jorge Lorenzo.
In 2023, Aldeguer started to flourish in the intermediate class and was able to finally taste victory on the world stage when he clinched his debut win at the British Grand Prix. His end to the season was what caught the attention of every premier class factory, however, when the 18-year-old won four straight races, a feat only seen once before in Moto2™ when compatriot Toni Elias achieved it in the series’ inaugural season back in 2010.
Now Aldeguer will look to build on his third in the World Championship in 2023 by clinching the Moto2™ title in 2024, now with a Ducati MotoGP™ contract in his back pocket.