MotoGP: Honda Likely to Fill Marc Marquez's Vacant Seat with This Spanish Moto2 Rider

Repsol Honda has decided to venture into the open market as they search for a replacement for the departing Marc Marquez in the forthcoming 2024 MotoGP season. In the most recent rumour mill, there's talk of Spanish Moto2 rider Fermin Aldeguer, who currently races for the Speed Up team, emerging as a potential candidate to step into the shoes of the six-time MotoGP champion in the Honda factory team.

Initially, when Marquez announced his departure from the Japanese team, Johann Zarco appeared to be the natural choice to succeed Marquez, especially after his switch from Pramac Ducati.  However, he has now confirmed that he will stick to the terms of his LCR contract.

While Maverick Vinales and Miguel Oliveira were also considered top contenders to replace Marc Marquez, discussions with both riders failed to yield a favourable outcome. After a solid showing on the podium in the premier class at Phillip Island, Fabio Di Giannantonio has established himself as a serious candidate for the seat, which has historically been held by the sport's most promising young players.

Also Read: MotoGP: Miguel Oliveira Dismisses Honda Speculations; Will Giannantonio Take Marc Marquez's Place?

MotoGP: Who is Fermin Aldeguer?

Born on April 5, 2005, Fermin Aldeguer Mengual races in Moto2 for the Speed Up Racing team in Moto2. Before winning the FIM CEV Moto2 European Championship in 2021, Aldeguer raced in the European Talent Cup in 2018 and 2019.

While competing full-time in MotoE for the Aspar Team in 2021, he made three replacement appearances in the Moto2 category for the injured Yari Montella. After the MotoE season concluded in Misano, he replaced Montella for the final four rounds of the Moto2 season. 

A 12th-place finish in Mugello and a 7th-place finish in Aragon were Aldeguer's only two points-earning finishes in eight 2021 Moto2 races. A new three-year deal between Aldeguer and the Speed Up team was finalised at the end of the 2021 season.

Hoy he confirmado esta información, y ya podemos dar por hecho que Fermin Aldeguer tiene oferta en firme de HRC para acompañar a Joan Mir en 2024/25. Me consta que su prioridad es Moto2, cosa que apoyo, pero como es normal trenes como este pasan pocas veces. Tendrá de decidir.

— Ricard Jové (@RicardJove) November 2, 2023

In a tweet, Ricard Jové said, "Today I have confirmed this information, and we can now assume that Fermin Aldeguer has a firm offer from HRC to accompany Joan Mir in 2024/25. I know that their priority is Moto2, which I support, but as is normal, trains like this rarely pass. You will have to decide."

Also Read: MotoGP: Marc Marquez Shares Emotional Message, Says 'Don't Know if I'm Doing Right or Wrong'

MotoGP: 2024 In-season Test

MotoGP released the 2024 season's test day schedule. In order to better prepare for the upcoming season, the factory teams, riders, and official tyre supplier Michelin have agreed to add one extra test day this year.

Each event will take place at a track that has hosted a Grand Prix before. The first official test of the season will begin on April 29 at the Circuito de Jerez ngel Nieto, followed by Mugello on June 3 and Misano on September 9.

These three test days will be in addition to the November Valencia test, the preseason shakedown, the official test in Sepang, and the official test in Qatar.