Imagine this: a young racing prodigy, fresh off a stunning rookie season, is already looking ahead to dominate the next MotoGP championship. But here’s where it gets tricky—Fermin Aldeguer, the 20-year-old sensation who clinched victory at the Indonesian Grand Prix, is cautiously optimistic after a promising post-season test at Valencia. But here’s where it gets controversial: he’s wary of the ‘fake’ grip conditions that could skew his team’s findings. Could this be the Achilles’ heel in his quest for the 2025 title? Let’s dive in.
Aldeguer, who ended 2025 as the top rookie, carried his momentum into the Valencia test, securing fourth place overall after 55 laps. Riding a year-old satellite Ducati for Gresini, he’s set to upgrade to the GP25 next season. However, for this test, his setup was ‘very similar’ to his race package, with minor tweaks in aerodynamics and electronics. The focus? Mastering low-grip conditions—a critical skill for any MotoGP champion. Yet, Aldeguer cautions that the grip levels leftover from the previous race weekend might paint an unrealistic picture. And this is the part most people miss: in racing, track conditions can be deceiving, and what works in testing might not translate to race day.
When asked about his test, Aldeguer explained, ‘We focused on the electronics more than the setup, as I already have a solid base. It’s about fine-tuning maps for time attacks and races, managing throttle and traction control.’ His humility shines through as he acknowledges the ‘fake’ nature of the grip, a reminder that testing is just one piece of the puzzle. But his talent is undeniable—he nearly topped the test before a daring front-end save at the final corner, showcasing his skill under pressure.
Speaking of that near-crash, Aldeguer admitted, ‘I braked at the same point, but the temperature had dropped, and I had more speed with the new rear tire.’ His mindset? ‘If we don’t finish first today but start the season strong, I’ll be happy.’ It’s this blend of ambition and realism that makes him a force to watch.
Now, here’s a thought-provoking question: With track conditions often fluctuating, how much can we rely on test results to predict race performance? And could Aldeguer’s caution about ‘fake’ grip be a sign of his maturity—or a potential blind spot for his rivals? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to MotoGP, this debate is sure to spark some heated discussions!