Fermin Aldeguer to miss MotoGP Sepang test, but won't rule out Thailand return

Gresini has announced that Fermin Aldeguer will not take part in the first MotoGP pre-season test of 2026 after suffering an injury at the start of the month while training at the Aspar Circuit.

In a post on social media, Ducati's satellite squad confirmed that MotoGP sophomore Aldeguer will miss the three-day Sepang test on 3-5 February as he continues his recovery from a femur fracture.

The post features a video showing team manager Michele Masini and Aldeguer's track engineer Frankie Carchedi arriving at the Spaniard's house in Andorra through heavy snowfall to surprise the rider, who can be seen lying on a sofa.

"If Fermin is forced to skip the pre-season, then Gresini goes to the mountain! Fermin officially missing the first test of the season in Sepang," reads the post, which is also accompanied by a photo of the trio.

Aldeguer crashed on 8 January while training on a road-going sport bike at the Aspar Circuit in Guadassuar, Valencia. Marc Marquez, Alex Marquez, Maverick Vinales, among others, were also training at the venue.

Running off the track and the subsequent impact with the ground caused a severe fracture to the shaft of Aldeguer's left femur. He was taken to a medical center and then transferred to Barcelona, where he underwent surgery later in the week.

“Fermin Aldeguer’s femur surgery was successfully completed. Now it’s time to rest. We will provide more information in the coming days,” the team explained in a social media post at that time.

Thailand test not ruled out

Given the severity of the injury, it was already clear that Aldeguer would not be able to take part in the first pre-season test, but the decision is now official.

However, according to Motorsport.com, the Spaniard is working intensely seven days a week with his recovery team in Andorra to shorten the recovery timeline, and he has not ruled out being able to take part in the second and final winter test, which will be held in Buriram on 21-22 February. This test takes place just before the season kicks off with the Thai Grand Prix at the same venue on 1 March.

Jorge Martin is also continuing his recovery process in Andorra. He underwent surgery shortly before Christmas on his left hand and right clavicle and is stepping up his rehabilitation in an attempt to return for the Sepang test on 3 February, despite doctors recommending that he does not take risks and instead wait to make his comeback at the Thailand test.