The 2026 Moto2 and Moto3 World Championship seasons promise a thrilling glimpse into MotoGP’s future. Packed with big rivalries, emerging stars, and a deep pool of international talent, this year can help define the next generation of motorcycle racing. From David Alonso’s ascent to stardom in Moto2 to Max Quiles’ Moto3 title push, here’s what fans should be watching in 2026.
Moto2 2026: The fight for MotoGP seats begins now
Aspar Title Rivals
David Alonso enters his second Moto2 season already regarded as a likely future MotoGP star. The Colombian became the 2024 Moto3 World Champion in style, taking a record 14 wins in a single season, while his rookie Moto2 year saw him pick up a magnificent victory in Hungary to complement a series of podiums as he stepped up a level. Sharing the Aspar box with him is Daniel Holgado, who stunned in 2025 with two race wins to help take sixth in the Championship and the Rookie of the Year crown. Their internal rivalry could become one of the defining storylines of the 2026 season, especially if both contend for the crown as expected. Expect fireworks.
Marc VDS Stars
Marc VDS Racing step into 2026 with one of the most dangerous pairings on the grid. Aron Canet arrives with unfinished business and what may be his last genuine attempt at a world title before WorldSBK becomes a serious option. Meanwhile, Deniz Öncü gets a clean slate after an injury-ravaged 2025 after a promising start. With the arrival of Toprak Razgatlioglu to MotoGP, Turkish fans may have even more to celebrate during the year as Öncü eyes up a shot at the title.
The Gresini Threat
Gresini Moto2 looks ready to shake up the title landscape. Sergio Garcia has already proven capable of winning races, and if he can rediscover his form, he may be a bolter. Alongside him, Alonso Lopez finally has a Kalex chassis beneath him, a move many feel could unlock the best of the Spaniard. This could be the year Gresini returns to regular front-running status in the intermediate class.
Rising Prospects and Redemption Arcs
Jose Antonio Rueda steps up to Moto2 as the reigning Moto3 Champion, winning the title dominantly, and he is paired with Collin Veijer – who became the Flying Dutchman at the tail end of his rookie 2025 season. Elsewhere, Barry Baltus continues edging closer to that elusive maiden victory after seven podiums in 2025 and the bronze medal in the Championship, while Manuel Gonzalez begins a mission of redemption after watching a commanding title advantage slip away late in 2025.
With established contenders and ambitious new arrivals, Moto2 2026 has all the ingredients for a classic season of racing.
Moto3 2026: The beginning of a new generation
The new Moto3 fast set
Moto3’s newest arrivals have already proven themselves race-winning fast in JuniorGP and the Red Bull Rookies Cup. This doesn't look like a developing rookie class but a group ready to compete immediately. Casey O’Gorman, in particular, impressed at Portimão and finally gets a full year to convert raw potential into consistent success at SIC58 Squadra Corse. Brian Uriarte enters as reigning JuniorGP and Rookies Cup champion, an achievement that puts him among elite alumni as he links up with Red Bull KTM Ajo and Argentinian Marco Morelli arrives at Aspar with speed and World Championship experience already under his belt.
Max Quiles steps into favouritism
Max Quiles took third overall as a rookie in 2025 and now begins the new season as a red-hot title favourite. His sophomore year gives him experience and crucial knowledge of how to handle the chaos Moto3 delivers every Sunday. If he maintains his calm aggression, the Championship could be his to lose.
Familiar faces return
Adrian Fernandez now has a crucial first win from Valencia to build upon and carries the confidence of a class veteran. Joel Esteban returns at Level Up MTA after a strong campaign in JuniorGP and brings with him the determination of someone who with a point to prove having lost his seat in 2024.
A global field grows wider
Moto3 2026 also showcases an expanding international footprint, delivering the most geographically diverse grid in years, with our rookies listed below seeing a full-time return to the grid for some countries:
Indonesia: Veda Pratama
Malaysia: Hakim Danish
Finland: Rico Salmela
Ireland: Casey O’Gorman
2026 Matters
The 2026 Moto2 and Moto3 seasons will shape MotoGP’s next generation. Alonso, Holgado, Canet, and Öncü are emerging potential premier class storylines, while Moto3's new batch are out to make a name for themselves. Of course, there will always be a surprise or two along the way.
International growth has never been stronger. The talent pool has never been deeper. The stakes have never been higher. 2026 is set to be another spectacular season of racing – make sure you join us for all the action!