Fermin Aldeguer Set for Qatar GP Return

Spanish rider Fermin Aldeguer is travelling to Doha. He hopes to return to action at this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix. The 21-year-old missed recent rounds of the 2026 championship. He needed hand surgery after a crash at the Indonesian Grand Prix.

Aldeguer rides for BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP on a Ducati motorcycle. His planned comeback is welcome news for the squad. The team is currently dealing with injuries to both of its riders.

What happened to Fermin Aldeguer?

Aldeguer hurt his hand in a crash at the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit during the Indonesian Grand Prix weekend. The injury needed surgery. As a result, the young Spaniard had to miss the next races, including the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Hand injuries are especially tough for motorcycle racers. MotoGP bikes take huge physical effort to control. This is particularly true when braking. Riders must brace their entire upper body through their hands and wrists. At the same time, powerful carbon brakes slow the bikes down from over 200 mph.

Before he can ride, Aldeguer must pass an official medical check at the track on Thursday. Championship doctors will test the strength and movement in his hand. They will then decide if he is fit to race.

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Why is his return so important for Gresini?

Aldeguer’s comeback attempt comes at a vital time for his team. His teammate, Alex Marquez, had surgery on his right shoulder earlier this week in Madrid. Marquez is already ruled out of the Qatar event.

In MotoGP, independent squads are private teams. They lease racing bikes from major factories like Ducati. These teams rely heavily on both riders scoring points to fund their work and earn prize bonuses. You can read more about how satellite squads operate in our guide to factory versus independent teams.

With Alex Marquez on the sidelines, Aldeguer’s return would put at least one regular Gresini rider on track under the floodlights at Lusail. If doctors clear him, Aldeguer will ride in Friday’s opening practice sessions to see how he feels on the bike.

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What challenges await at Lusail?

The Lusail International Circuit is a demanding test for any rider returning from surgery. The track features a kilometre-long main straight. It also has fast, flowing corners that put constant strain on a rider’s arms and hands.

The race takes place at night under floodlights. This brings changing track temperatures, which affect tyre grip and bike stability. New fans can learn more about this unique venue in our beginner’s guide to the Qatar night race.

Aldeguer currently sits 11th in the world championship standings with 125 points. Marc Marquez leads the title race on 399 points, so Aldeguer can no longer win the 2026 championship. Even so, a strong finish would help keep him in the top half of the table during his second season in the top class.

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What happens next?

Aldeguer will visit the Lusail circuit medical centre on Thursday for his fitness check. If doctors give him the green light, he will take part in Free Practice 1 on Friday.

Riders returning from surgery often use opening practice to see how their body copes at race speeds. If the pain is too severe during Friday’s sessions, the rider and team can choose to pull out before qualifying and the Sprint race.

All eyes in the Gresini garage will be on the 21-year-old as he tests his fitness in the desert.

Quick Takeaways

• Fermin Aldeguer is travelling to Doha to try to race at the Qatar Grand Prix this weekend.
• The 21-year-old Spaniard missed recent rounds after hand surgery following a crash in Indonesia.
• Aldeguer must pass an official track medical check on Thursday before he can ride.
• His return is vital for BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP, as teammate Alex Marquez is absent following shoulder surgery.
• Aldeguer sits 11th in the championship with 125 points entering the final three rounds of the season.