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Aldeguer's Ascent: A New Chapter with VR46 and Ducati

The Anticipated Move to VR46 and Ducati's Full Backing

Fermin Aldeguer's future in MotoGP is now clearer, with confirmation that he will be joining Valentino Rossi's VR46 team for the 2027 and 2028 seasons. This exciting development coincides with the introduction of the new 850cc regulations in the sport. Crucially, Aldeguer will benefit from comprehensive factory support from Ducati's Borgo Panigale headquarters, ensuring he has access to the most advanced official machinery.

Equipped for Success: Factory-Level Resources

With this new arrangement, Aldeguer is expected to command the same elite-level equipment as current factory Ducati riders, including celebrated figures like Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta. Furthermore, he will be paired with Nicolo Bulega, whose own confirmation within the VR46 team is still pending. This strategic placement underscores Ducati's confidence in Aldeguer's potential and its commitment to nurturing his talent.

A Path Forged: Early Contract and Long-Term Vision

The groundwork for this transition was laid earlier, as Motorsport.com previously disclosed that Aldeguer had inked an initial 2+2 year deal with Ducati in January 2024, prior to his final Moto2 season. This agreement secured his participation for 2025 and 2026, with the option for 2027 and 2028 being exercised in March. Ducati subsequently informed Aldeguer of his placement with VR46, signifying a special partnership where the Tavullia squad will operate as Ducati's factory-supported team. This long-term strategy aims to integrate Aldeguer into the factory Ducati team by 2029, by which time he will be just 24 years old.

Team's Enthusiasm and Aldeguer's Aspirations

Alessio Salucci, the team director of Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, expressed his delight regarding the new signing. He praised Aldeguer as a remarkably talented young rider who has already demonstrated immense skill since his MotoGP debut. Salucci emphasized the team's eagerness to welcome him and looks forward to him riding a Factory Desmosedici GP as an official Ducati Corse rider. Aldeguer, in turn, shared his excitement, calling the opportunity to sign with Valentino Rossi's team "incredible" and highlighting Rossi as a significant idol and role model. He believes Rossi's guidance will be invaluable for his development as a rider.

Goals for the Future: Adapting and Achieving Consistency

Aldeguer outlined his objectives for the upcoming seasons, focusing on adapting to the new tires and the revised bike specifications under the 2027 regulations. He anticipates that the factory Ducati motorcycle will be a substantial advantage for continuous development throughout the season. His strategy involves maintaining consistency, minimizing errors, and maximizing track time to gather crucial data. He is confident that the collaboration with the team and Ducati engineers will lead to strong performances, with a consistent presence within the top five being his primary aim.

Navigating Challenges: Overcoming Injuries

Despite his promising future, Aldeguer has faced a challenging 2026 season marked by injuries. He sustained a serious left leg injury during pre-season training, forcing him to miss early races. A subsequent back injury during the Dutch GP further sidelined him from events at Assen, Sachsenring, and Silverstone. Consequently, he has only competed in eight of the twelve Grands Prix this year, with a second-place finish in Barcelona being his best result. As he recovers during the summer break, Aldeguer is scheduled for a final medical evaluation with MotoGP's medical director, Dr. Angel Charte, in Aragon to determine his fitness for FP1.

Sebastien Buemi, a prominent figure and past champion in Formula E, recently indicated that his departure from the electric racing championship might not be a permanent farewell. While he is stepping down from his driving role with Envision Racing at the end of the current season, Buemi expressed an openness to returning to Formula E in the future, suggesting that his career in the series is not definitively over. His decision to leave his current full-time position is primarily driven by the increasing demands of the racing schedule, particularly the conflicts between Formula E and his commitments to the World Endurance Championship (WEC), where he races for Toyota.

Although another seasoned Formula E competitor, Lucas di Grassi, is fully retiring from the series, Buemi's situation is distinct. He will maintain his involvement in professional motorsport through his WEC contract, which takes precedence. Buemi reflected on the contrast, noting that his feelings regarding this transition are different from those of a complete retirement. He also highlighted his long-standing relationship with Formula E, having been a consistent presence since its inaugural season. Throughout his tenure, he achieved significant success, including leading the Renault e.dams team to a championship title, and continued to be a formidable presence even after joining Envision Racing in 2022, securing a win in Monaco last year.

Looking ahead, Buemi will continue his association with Envision Racing in an advisory and development capacity. This new role will involve participating in testing sessions for Envision's customer Jaguar Gen4 car and attending select races, allowing him to contribute to the team's progress without the full-time racing commitment. The chief championship officer of Formula E, Alberto Longo, has also publicly welcomed the prospect of Buemi's return, acknowledging his talent and contributions to the sport. This arrangement suggests a strategic move to keep his options open, balancing his current WEC responsibilities with the potential for a future return to the electric racing arena, depending on how racing calendars evolve and align.

In the dynamic world of motorsports, adaptability and a forward-looking perspective are essential. Buemi's decision to maintain ties with Formula E while pursuing other avenues showcases a commendable dedication to his craft and a recognition that opportunities can arise from unforeseen changes. His approach offers an inspiring example of how athletes can navigate career transitions, always striving for excellence and remaining receptive to new challenges, thereby enriching their journey and contributing to the continued growth of the sport.