Ducati MotoGP star Fermin Aldeguer is recovering in hospital after a 'bad crash' in Spain. The 20-year-old Gresini MotoGP race winner suffered a broken femur and underwent successful surgery over the weekend. While the operation was a success, recovery from a femur injury can take several months, and Aldeguer is unlikely to be present at the start of the 2026 season in Thailand. Ducati has limited options for a replacement, with test rider Michele Pirro the most obvious candidate. However, Pirro is set to work on Ducati's 2027 challenger in the coming months, so the brand may not want to risk him getting injured in a race. Other potential replacements include Nicolo Bulega from World Superbikes, who made his debut on the GP25 last season and could test Aldeguer's bike at Sepang in February. But who could Ducati turn to if they need a replacement rider? The team will need to make a decision soon as the season approaches, and fans will be eager to see who takes Aldeguer's place on the grid.
