Key Takeaways:
- On-Track Milestone: Fermín Aldeguer returned to motorcycle training at the Cartagena circuit aboard a Ducati Panigale V2, accelerating his recovery following a fractured T7 vertebra.
- Absence Since Assen: The Gresini rider has been sidelined since his crash at the Dutch GP, missing rounds in Assen, Germany, and Great Britain.
- Aragón Target: Aldeguer expressed optimism online with the message “Almost back,” as he targets medical clearance for the upcoming Aragón GP at the end of August.
Fermín Aldeguer took another major step in his recovery from a T7 vertebra fracture by returning to motorcycle training this week. The Gresini rider guided a Ducati Panigale V2 at the Cartagena circuit in Spain, boosting optimism regarding a potential MotoGP comeback as early as next week’s Aragón GP.
The Spaniard has been sidelined since the Dutch GP, where he sustained the spinal injury in a crash during one of the weekend’s practice sessions.
The T7 vertebra fracture forced the Gresini rookie to miss both races at Assen as well as the German and British GPs, held on either side of the series’ summer break.
His return to track action took place on Tuesday (18) in Cartagena, located in the Region of Murcia. Riding the Ducati Panigale V2, Aldeguer shared footage of the session on social media. The post was accompanied by a short yet optimistic message: “Almost back,” he wrote.
While Aldeguer’s participation at Aragón has not yet been officially confirmed, the training session offers a positive signal for Gresini. His entry for the round will be determined following an official medical examination by MotoGP doctors.
The news comes as rider market and injury recovery storylines develop across motorsport categories, following Max Verstappen revealing he considered retirement prior to his Red Bull renewal through 2030, the breakdown of the provisional 2027 F1 driver grid, and McLaren confirming aerodynamic updates for Zandvoort.
MotoGP resumes action from August 28 to 30 for the Aragón GP, the 13th round of the 2026 season. GRANDE PRÊMIO is covering all weekend track action across all World Championship classes.
2026 Aragón Grand Prix — Session Schedule (Local Time / CEST)
| Day | Session | Local Time (CEST) |
| Friday, August 28 | Free Practice 1 | 10:45 – 11:30 |
| Friday, August 28 | Practice | 15:00 – 16:00 |
| Saturday, August 29 | Free Practice 2 | 10:10 – 10:40 |
| Saturday, August 29 | Qualifying 1 & 2 | 10:50 – 11:30 |
| Saturday, August 29 | Sprint Race (11 Laps) | 15:00 |
| Sunday, August 30 | Grand Prix (23 Laps) | 14:00 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What injury did Fermín Aldeguer suffer at the Dutch GP?
Fermín Aldeguer suffered a fractured T7 vertebra during a practice crash at the Dutch GP in Assen.
Which motorcycle did Aldeguer ride during his training session in Cartagena?
Aldeguer rode a road-spec Ducati Panigale V2 to evaluate his physical condition.
When is the 2026 Aragón Grand Prix taking place?
The 2026 Aragón GP takes place from August 28 to 30, 2026, serving as the 13th round of the MotoGP season.
