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A year later than he would've liked, Fermin Aldeguer will make the long-awaited jump into the category, debuting in the MotoGP in 2025 wearing the Gresini team's colors. Considered by all to be the big favorite for the Moto2 World Champion title on the eve of the championship, the 19-year-old Spanish rider failed to live up to expectations, but he still guaranteed himself a spot on the premier class grid after convincing Ducati's top management with his extraordinary season finale in 2023. Six consecutive podiums, including four victories, earned him a two-year contract with the Borgo Panigale manufacturer back in March.
"From the beginning of the year, I was given as the favorite, then I signed for the MotoGP. That's a bit of pressure, but it also relaxes you to know that you've already defined everything. You still have to continue to get results. The goal was to win the title, but we were competitive," Aldeguer commented in an interview with TodoCircuito during which he reflected on the season that just ended and on what awaits him next year.
The young Spanish rider didn't seem to have any doubts thinking back to what he lacked in 2024 to fight for the championship. He finished in 5th place, 93 points behind Champion Ai Ogura.
"We were unlucky, but we didn't handle the race and the tire change well. These are mistakes that everyone can make and, when you make so many mistakes in a row, there comes a time when it all adds up. The fall in Barcelona didn't help me," explained the former SpeedUp rider, later giving credit to the work done by the MT-Helmets team, "I had doubts in some races and took advantage of their data. They won more than we did. They had an incredible championship with Ogura, who was very smooth, which gave them the title."
Although the season didn't go as planned, Fermin believes he learned a lot from 2024.
"I still make mistakes, but I know how to handle them better. Many good things can be learned, even if I didn't win the title. You learn from everything, and Iìll be going into the MotoGP with a lot of experience and having learned a lot. I'm ready for what's to come," he affirmed, not seeming to regret going to the MotoGP without having won in the intermediate class.
"Am I a top rider? Until I prove it, I can't say," he said, laughing. "It's clear that I've had three full years in the Moto,2 and I've had races where I've fought hand-to-hand and won. I have better numbers than some MotoGP riders, and we'll take advantage of them."
Aldeguer is ready to pick up the baton from Marc Marquez on the Gresini team.
"I don't think about it, but it's certainly nicer to sit on Marc's bike, and it generates more pressure. He's an eight-time world champion. I can't compare myself to him. I'll have to learn as much as possible from the Ducati riders and from Alex, who'll be a great help to me." He then concluded: "The goal is obviously to become rookie of the year and to get on the podium. We'll try, but I just want to learn and be strong."
