Why can't Gresini Racing replace Fermin Aldeguer for the race?

It is too late in the race weekend to bring in a substitute. Replacement riders are typically arranged well in advance of an event, not after practice has already begun.

What is a T7 vertebra?

The T7 vertebra is one of the twelve thoracic vertebrae, which are the bones that make up the middle section of your spine, running from the base of the neck to the bottom of your ribs.

Is this a common injury in MotoGP?

While all riders accept the risk of injury, fractures are an unfortunate part of high-speed motorcycle racing. Recovery times can vary greatly depending on the severity and location of the fracture.

Who is Fermin Aldeguer's teammate?

His teammate at Gresini Racing is Alex Marquez, the younger brother of eight-time world champion Marc Marquez.

Fermin Aldeguer Ruled Out of Dutch Grand Prix After Friday Crash

Gresini Racing rookie Fermin Aldeguer has been declared unfit for the Dutch Grand Prix after fracturing a vertebra in a high-speed Friday practice crash.

What’s the latest news from the Dutch Grand Prix?

In a difficult turn of events at the historic Assen circuit, MotoGP rookie Fermin Aldeguer has been ruled out of the rest of the Dutch Grand Prix weekend. The Gresini Racing rider was involved in a heavy crash during Friday’s session and has been declared medically unfit to compete.

This is always disappointing news, both for the rider and the team, especially during a rider’s first season in the top class. The priority now shifts entirely from racing to his recovery and well-being.

What exactly happened to Fermin Aldeguer?

The incident occurred during the afternoon practice session on Friday. Aldeguer suffered a very fast crash, and while he was initially conscious, he was clearly in pain. The session was briefly stopped to allow medical staff to attend to him safely on the trackside.

Following an initial check-up at the circuit’s medical centre, he was transferred to a local hospital for more detailed scans. These examinations confirmed the injury: a fracture to his T7 vertebra. The vertebrae are the series of small bones that form the backbone, and any injury to this area is treated with extreme caution.

What does ‘declared unfit’ mean in MotoGP?

When a rider has a crash, they are assessed by a highly specialised team of MotoGP doctors. If they believe a rider’s injury could put them or other competitors at risk, they have the authority to declare them ‘unfit to race’.

This isn’t the rider’s or the team’s decision to make; it’s a purely medical one, designed to protect the rider from worsening an injury or being unable to control a 300-horsepower motorcycle safely. It’s a crucial part of the sport’s safety regulations.

The official MotoGP medical centre building at a race circuit.

Who is Fermin Aldeguer?

Fermin Aldeguer is one of the most exciting young talents in MotoGP. The Spanish rider is in his rookie season, meaning it’s his very first year competing in the premier class. He stepped up from the Moto2 category (the class just below MotoGP) for the 2026 season.

He rides for Gresini Racing, which is a Ducati satellite team. A satellite team, sometimes called an independent team, is not a full factory outfit but leases bikes and receives technical support from a major manufacturer. In this case, Gresini gets fantastic support from Ducati, allowing riders like Aldeguer to be competitive from the start.

What does this mean for the Gresini team this weekend?

With Aldeguer unable to race, the Gresini Racing team will have only one rider competing for the rest of the weekend: Alex Marquez. Teams are not able to field a replacement rider at such short notice during a Grand Prix weekend.

This is a significant blow for the team, as every race is an opportunity to score championship points, which determine their position in the team standings at the end of the year. For now, their focus will be split between supporting Alex Marquez on track and monitoring Fermin’s recovery off it.

A wide view of the fast and flowing TT Circuit Assen in the Netherlands.

How might this affect Aldeguer’s season?

For any rider, an injury is a setback. For a rookie, however, it can be particularly challenging. The first season in MotoGP is all about learning — understanding the bike’s complex electronics, the carbon brakes, and the behaviour of the Michelin tyres.

Missing races means missing out on vital ‘track time’, which is the experience a rider gains from completing laps. A back injury requires a careful and patient recovery, so it is very likely he will miss the next round as well. His main goal will be to return to full fitness, ensuring he can ride without pain and at 100% capacity when he is cleared to return.

A close-up of a rider's helmet resting on the seat of his MotoGP bike in the pit garage.

Quick Takeaways

Gresini rider Fermin Aldeguer will miss the Dutch GP after fracturing a vertebra in a Friday practice crash.
Being ‘declared unfit’ is a medical decision made by official MotoGP doctors to ensure rider safety.
As a rookie, this is a tough setback as he loses valuable track time and learning opportunities on the MotoGP bike.
The Gresini team will continue the weekend with only one rider, Alex Marquez.