Welcome to the premier class, Daniel Holgado! One of Moto2’s brightest stars is finally receiving the call-up he deserves, giving us even more reasons to be excited for MotoGP’s new era. Holgado joins BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP next season, jumping on board a Ducati as he looks to write the next chapter of his career.

His progression (much like his pace) has been FAST, spending less than two seasons in the intermediate category before signing his first MotoGP deal. He’s had to fight with some of the best too, with current Moto2 CFMOTO Aspar teammate David Alonso also joining the MotoGP grid in 2027 – the battle for rookie of the year is on!

HOLGADO’S PATH TO THE GP PADDOCK 

Like many, Holgado made his way through the Spanish ranks, eventually landing a place in the European Cup for 2018. With a podium in his rookie season, Holgado was en route to the Moto3 Junior World Championship – a class he’d spend three seasons in. After two podiums in both 2019 and 2020, expectations grew for the Spanish star, forcing the #96 to deliver the goods in 2021.

Simply put, Holgado was outstanding at the start of 2021. Dominating the opening three races and only finishing off the podium on four occasions, Holgado was your 2021 Moto3 Junior World Champion! Securing five wins in total, he finished ahead of some huge names including Diogo Moreira, Ivan Ortola and a certain David Alonso…

Holgado also had his shot at the Red Bull Rookies Cup throughout 2020 and 2021, where he was super competitive. Winning one race and scoring podiums in the opening three races, a title charge was set up in 2021. In the end, it wasn’t meant to be for the #96, claiming P3 overall

Moto3: PUPIL TO MASTER

Holgado was off to the Moto3 World Championship! He joined Red Bull KTM Ajo for 2022, showing instant potential with solid top-10 results, one pole position and even a podium at the Aragon GP. The Spanish star ended the season P10 in the overall standings, eyeing a further step forward as he enjoyed a change of scenery, moving to Tech3 for 2023.

Holgado made his intentions clear, doing the talking on track and winning the opening race of the season. He backed up that potential with a further two victories, claiming more than double the points, and ending the season P5 in the standings. The only way was up – and the Spanish star knew that…

The objective for 2024 was simple: to become Moto3 World Champion. But despite earning eight podium finishes (including a win in Portugal), it wasn’t enough - Holgado was runner-up. The crown went to David Alonso; a rider he would soon get much closer with over the following years.

Moto2: ROOKIE SENSATION TO TITLE CHALLENGER

Despite being runner-up, his talent was undeniable. Luckily, Jorge Martinez 'Aspar' thought the same, moving Holgado to Moto2 for the 2025 season. His teammate? None other than Alonso – battle on. We often talk about the difficult transition from Moto3 to Moto2, but Holgado made light work of that… top 10 on debut, winning two races as a rookie and catching the attention of many – what more can you ask for? The season was capped off with a fifth and final podium at the Valencia season finale – setting the standard for 2026.

And with that, Holgado picked up from where he left off, scoring a first podium of the season in Thailand before standing on the top step in Brazil. Further podiums arrived at Mugello and Silverstone, raising the Spanish star’s points tally and profile as he became a true title contender.

This season is still ongoing, with the #96 remaining in title contention and recently moving ahead of Alonso in the World Championship. It’s a year which is going down to the wire, but either way, his future is signed, clear and pending – MotoGP is next!

MotoGP: THE NEXT CHAPTER

A new home, a destination and a whole new challenge await in 2027 as Holgado joins one of the most family-like teams in the paddock – BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP. Historic, a word often used in the same breath as the Gresini squad, and for the #96, it’s a place which he’ll begin to call home. He’ll get to jump on MotoGP machinery for the first time at the post-season Valencia Test, starting an exciting new chapter.

It’s a whole new line-up for Gresini too, with Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer moving on to pastures new. Replacing the pair are Holgado and 2020 World Champion Joan Mir, who joins the team – racing with his third MotoGP manufacturer. With a real mix of youth and experience, you have to say it’s the perfect combination for success and a great opportunity for Holgado to learn. Excitements already building as we race into the 850cc era and get set for an epic battle for rookie of the year!

European Champion, Moto3 and Moto2 race winner Holgado has earned his place. Now, the sky’s the limit! Join us for the final part of the 2026 season, where Holgado looks to etch his name into Moto2 history before breaking into the premier class; good luck, Daniel!