Fermin Aldeguer has begun the process of removing metalwork from his left leg as he prepares for MotoGP’s intense overseas phase, starting with the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi (October 2-4). The Gresini Ducati rider had a screw removed this week, addressing lingering pain from the femur he fractured in a January training accident in Valencia.
Aldeguer’s injury-plagued season saw him miss all pre-season testing and the Buriram opener. He returned for round two in Brazil, but another crash at Assen left him sidelined with a fractured T7 vertebra. While his back has healed, Aldeguer continues to experience discomfort due to the metalwork in his leg. “I think this season is impossible [to be 100% fit],” he admitted recently. “Maybe this winter, after I do the surgery to take out all of the metal. With this, the doctor said to me that 90% of the pain will go away.”
The Gresini team confirmed that Wednesday’s surgery was to remove a screw, and Aldeguer will plan further procedures after the season. Team-mate Alex Marquez, who broke his collarbone at Catalunya, is also expected to have follow-up surgery this winter: “In December I will take out the plate, and everything will be, in theory, fit and ready for the next season,” Marquez said.
Looking ahead, Marquez moves to the factory KTM team next year, while Aldeguer will remain with Ducati but switch to VR46.
As MotoGP enters a grueling five-races-in-six-weekends stretch, Aldeguer hopes to manage his recovery and finish the season strong.
