Fermin Aldeguer reflects on tough MotoGP debut in Buriram

Gresini Racing rookie Fermin Aldeguer battles heat and intense competition in his first MotoGP race.

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

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

The opening round of the 2025 MotoGP season at Buriram presented grueling conditions for this year’s three rookies, including Gresini Racing’s Fermin Aldeguer. Making his debut in the premier class, Aldeguer faced scorching temperatures and intense competition, ultimately finishing in 13th place. While the result fell short of his expectations, the young Spaniard was satisfied to have completed the demanding race and gained valuable experience.

“We can stay calm because we finished the race, we have more kilometers, we have more experience,” Aldeguer said after the race, recognizing the importance of completing his first MotoGP Grand Prix.

Buriram’s high temperatures and the challenge of racing in a tight pack made his debut even more difficult. “I think this is one of the harder tracks for temperature, for going in a group with other riders,” he admitted. “I think we did good work during all the weekend because our line was [going] up and we didn’t do up-and-downs. This is important, and I think we can stay happy.”

Mental and physical challenges in Buriram

While adjusting to the power and handling of a MotoGP bike was one aspect of the challenge, Aldeguer also had to battle his own doubts as he completed the grueling 26-lap race.

“My mind says all the time, ‘You can’t finish the race with this heat, with the management of the tyres,’” Aldeguer revealed. The race’s demanding conditions tested his endurance, but he ultimately found motivation in the idea that all riders were struggling.

“All the riders overtook me, fighting for the top-10, but at the end I said, ‘Okay, if I’m bad, I think the other riders are like me,’” he explained. “At the end, we pushed at our maximum, we finished in 13th position, we have three points for the championship. My target was the top-10, but we fight for this and we can stay calm.”

Despite missing out on a top-10 result, Aldeguer took encouragement from his performance, knowing that completing his first race was a crucial step in his development.

Adapting to MotoGP’s intense format

Beyond the physical challenge of the race itself, Aldeguer noted that the most difficult aspect of MotoGP was the intense weekend schedule. The format, which includes multiple practice sessions, a time attack, the Sprint race, and the full-length Grand Prix, was a major adjustment compared to Moto2.

“I think the most difficult was the pace of the whole weekend,” he said. “You have to do a time in first practice, after the time attack is so hard, then the Sprint, and then a long race.”

The sheer volume of laps and the high-intensity sessions proved to be an eye-opening experience. “I think we do a lot of laps and it’s heavy, and I think this is the big difference compared to Moto2,” Aldeguer admitted.

A learning experience for Aldeguer

Despite the challenges, Aldeguer left Buriram with valuable lessons as he continues his MotoGP rookie season. His ability to finish the race, manage his tires, and adapt to the demanding schedule were positive takeaways from his debut.

With the experience gained in Thailand, Aldeguer now looks ahead to the next rounds, determined to improve his performance and work toward his goal of breaking into the top-10. The season is long, and the Gresini Racing rookie will have many more opportunities to showcase his talent on the premier-class stage.