- Marc Marquez completes first intensive motorcycle tests since October
- Fermin Aldeguer suffers thigh fracture during training in Spain
- Sepang test in early February becomes focus for several Ducati riders
The weeks leading up to the first official MotoGP test are traditionally considered crucial for getting into shape and fine-tuning. Accordingly, many top riders are currently very active. At Ducati in particular, several riders are taking advantage of private training opportunities to get in shape early for the 2026 season. However, recent events have shown how fine the line is between sensible preparation and the risk of injury.
Ducati focuses on early form and feel
After a long break, Marc Marquez is back on his motorcycle on a regular basis. The Ducati factory rider suffered a shoulder injury at the Indonesian Grand Prix in early October 2025 and subsequently refrained from onboard training for several months. In order to be ready in time for the Sepang test in Malaysia, the nine-time world champion recently intensified his training sessions in Spain.
First on the agenda was motocross training, followed later by riding on asphalt. At the Aspar Circuit near Valencia, Marquez used both a Ducati Panigale V2 and a V4 to regain a feel for speed, line selection, and load. He was accompanied by Ducati-Lenovo team manager Davide Tardozzi, among others. The sessions are considered an important building block in finding a stable rhythm again after the injury-related break.
Training accident overshadows Gresini preparations
Gresini Ducati rider Fermin Aldeguer was also preparing for the new season at the Aspar Circuit. For the 2025 Rookie of the Year, these were his first training laps of the new year on a road bike. On Thursday morning, he suffered a serious crash in which the 20-year-old fractured his left thigh.
After the accident, Aldeguer was taken to Barcelona and underwent surgery on Friday. The team subsequently confirmed that the operation had been successful, but did not give a specific timetable for his return. The training crash occurred in cool but, according to those involved, decent track conditions.
Reactions from the paddock
Among the riders who were also on the track on the day of the accident was Ducati test rider Michele Pirro. He later spoke of a serious crash, but emphasized that the exact circumstances could not be clearly determined. Statements about the cause remained correspondingly cautious.
The incident highlights the risk of private training sessions, which are essential for preparation but take place outside of regulated racing operations. Especially on narrow tracks such as the Aspar Circuit, which is popular with many professionals, riders often push themselves close to the limit.
Unanswered questions ahead of Sepang and the start of the season
It is currently unclear how much the training accident will affect Aldeguer’s season planning. The first official test of the 2026 MotoGP season will take place in Sepang from February 3 to 5. For the Gresini team, it would be important for the Spaniard to participate in order to push ahead with setup work and coordination with the team at an early stage.
Regardless of this, the team presentation in Malaysia is scheduled for the end of January. Shortly afterwards, the hot phase begins with further tests and the season opener in Thailand at the end of February. For Aldeguer, the accident therefore comes at an unfortunate time, as valuable preparation days could be lost.
Classification in the Ducati camp
For Ducati as a whole, however, preparations are continuing on several levels. While Marquez is working on his racing fitness after his injury break, stability and consistency are the main priorities for the customer teams. After a strong debut season, Aldeguer was firmly planned as a key performer at Gresini. His absence therefore not only affects the team, but also the development work for the new season.
Whether and when the Spaniard will be able to get back on his bike will depend largely on how quickly the healing process progresses. It is already clear that the start of the 2026 MotoGP year will be intense for Ducati in sporting terms, but also marked by initial setbacks.
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