Fermín Aldeguer on the challenges of adapting to MotoGP

Fermín Aldeguer discusses the challenges of adapting to MotoGP’s format and intensity.

Fermin Aldeguer of Spain and Gresini Racing MotoGP speaks with journalists in the media center during the Thailand MotoGP Test at Chang International Circuit on February 13, 2025, in Buriram, Thailand. Photo by Mirco Lazzari/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Fermín Aldeguer made his highly anticipated MotoGP debut at the Thai GP, stepping up from Moto2 to face an entirely new level of competition. The transition brought a host of challenges, from adapting to the format to handling the physical and mental demands of the premier class. Riding for BK8 Gresini, the Spanish rookie quickly realized that success in MotoGP requires immediate speed and precision from the very first session.

The importance of setting the pace early

Speaking on the Coffee Talks with LS2 podcast, Aldeguer emphasized how crucial it is to be fast right from the start of the weekend, as Friday’s sessions play a decisive role in determining a rider’s qualifying position.

“The weekend’s pace changes completely. From the first moment, you have to focus on setting a time because Friday qualifies you for Q1 or Q2. After this first round, I can say that starting from the top five or six places changes your life – even if you are slower than tenth, it changes everything. So, you have to be very prepared, very focused, to be competitive on the first day and try to place yourself in the top ten.”

In Moto2, riders have more time to gradually build up speed and refine their setup over the weekend. However, in MotoGP, the pressure to secure a strong grid position is intense, as it significantly impacts race performance. Riders who fail to make it into the top ten on Friday must go through Q1, where only two can progress to Q2 and fight for the best positions. This format forces rookies like Aldeguer to adapt quickly and deliver fast lap times under pressure.

Adapting to MotoGP’s physical and technical demands

Beyond the format, Aldeguer noted that MotoGP’s riding style is vastly different from Moto2, requiring a new approach to braking, acceleration, and overall bike control. The sheer power of a MotoGP bike, combined with the aggressive race dynamics, creates a physically exhausting experience.

“Then, Q1 and Q2, the time attack with the MotoGP bike… I brake, and it feels like my eyes are going to pop out! I accelerate… everything changes, the speed, everything. And then, the Sprint race is half the laps of the long race, but it feels like a qualifying session that gives points. In other words, you push to the maximum every lap, and that wears you out for the whole weekend because you still have the 26-lap race on Sunday.”

Aldeguer’s description highlights how demanding the MotoGP Sprint race format is. While it is shorter than the main Grand Prix, the intensity is at maximum from start to finish, leaving riders physically drained before they even line up for Sunday’s full-length race. Unlike Moto2, where tire management and race strategy play a bigger role, MotoGP requires an all-out attack from the moment the lights go out.

A learning curve for the MotoGP rookie

Aldeguer’s first experience in the premier class has given him a clear picture of what it takes to compete at this level. The 18-year-old Spaniard has shown immense potential in Moto2, and his MotoGP debut serves as the first step in his adaptation to the fastest motorcycle racing series in the world.

With time, experience, and better understanding of the bike, Aldeguer will look to refine his approach and improve his performance across race weekends. As he continues to learn from each session, his goal will be to break into the top positions and establish himself as a competitive force in the premier class.

The Thai GP was just the beginning, and as the season progresses, Aldeguer will have more opportunities to showcase his talent and make his mark in MotoGP.