In 2024, Ducati is presenting itself with a different policy on the rider market than is often the case, and today’s confirmation of the signing of Fermín Aldeguer confirms just that.
While not long ago the manufacturer agreed to renew the contract with two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia, today it officially signed Aldeguer to a two-year contract with a further two options, which could mean that the 18-year-old Spaniard could be directly linked to the Borgo Panigale manufacturer until 2029, if that is what both parties want, in 2027.
If Bagnaia is safe and has earned the full trust of those in charge of the Ducati Lenovo Team, the same can’t be said of Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team), Franco Morbidelli (Pramac Racing), or the Gresini Racing duo, the Márquez brothers, both of whom have contracts expiring at the end of this year.
And let’s not forget the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, whose contract with Ducati expires at the end of 2024, and there are even rumours that Valentino Rossi’s team could be on its way to becoming a Yamaha satellite team, even though Pablo Nieto recently said that the plan is to remain linked to Ducati, especially at a time when Yamaha is going through a troubled period and in despair of getting more data and information to develop the M1.
What about Jorge Martín? Martín has already said publicly that by 2025 he wants to be in a factory team. Whether it’s Ducati or not… we don’t know, but it’s important to remember that the manufacturer has already, in two situations, put its trust in Bastianini over the #89.
What is certain is that among so many riders linked to the manufacturer, there will have to be changes, if only to «seat» Aldeguer, who, having signed a contract with Ducati, will probably go to Pramac, since a factory seat at this stage for a rookie seems highly unlikely and against the manufacturer’s usual practice.