Daniel Holgado will step up to MotoGP in 2027 with BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP, as one of Moto2’s brightest young talents earns his place on the premier-class grid. The Spanish rider will join the Ducati-powered Gresini team as MotoGP enters a new era.

Holgado’s rise through the motorcycle racing ranks has been rapid. The 21-year-old has spent less than two full seasons in Moto2 before securing his first MotoGP contract, underlining the impression he has made with his pace and consistency.

The Spaniard will also have a familiar rival to contend with in MotoGP next season, with current Moto2 teammate David Alonso also set to graduate to the premier class in 2027. The pair’s battle for Moto2 honours has already produced plenty of excitement, and their rivalry is expected to continue in the fight for MotoGP Rookie of the Year.

Daniel Holgado’s journey to MotoGP

Holgado began building his career through the Spanish racing scene before competing in the European Cup in 2018. He subsequently moved into the Moto3 Junior World Championship, where he spent three seasons and established himself as one of Spain’s leading young talents.

His breakthrough came in 2021 when Holgado dominated the opening part of the season. He won five races and finished on the podium regularly to claim the 2021 Moto3 Junior World Championship.

Holgado also competed in the Red Bull Rookies Cup during 2020 and 2021. He finished third overall in the 2021 championship after taking a victory and several podium finishes.

Moto3 breakthrough with KTM and Tech3

Holgado stepped into the Moto3 World Championship with Red Bull KTM Ajo in 2022. He immediately showed promise, scoring regular top-10 finishes, taking pole position and securing a podium at the Aragon Grand Prix.

He finished his rookie Moto3 season 10th in the championship before moving to Tech3 for 2023.

The switch proved successful. Holgado won the opening race of the 2023 season and added two more victories during the campaign, ultimately finishing fifth in the Moto3 World Championship.

His objective for 2024 was to fight for the Moto3 title, and Holgado came close. He collected eight podium finishes, including a victory in Portugal, but ultimately finished runner-up in the championship.

The title went to David Alonso, setting the stage for a rivalry that would continue into Moto2.

Holgado makes immediate impact in Moto2

Holgado moved up to Moto2 for the 2025 season with the CFMOTO Aspar Team, where he was paired with Alonso.

The transition to the intermediate class can be challenging for young riders, but Holgado adapted quickly. He scored a top-10 finish on his Moto2 debut and went on to claim two race victories and five podiums during his rookie campaign.

He finished the 2025 Moto2 season fifth in the championship, establishing himself as a genuine future MotoGP prospect.

Holgado continued his progress in 2026, taking his first podium of the season in Thailand before securing victory in Brazil. Further podiums followed at Mugello and Silverstone, keeping him firmly in championship contention.

With the 2026 Moto2 season still underway, Holgado has also moved ahead of Alonso in the standings, adding another chapter to their growing rivalry.

Gresini Ducati becomes Holgado’s MotoGP home

Holgado will make his MotoGP debut with BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP in 2027, riding a Ducati.

The move represents another major milestone for the Spanish rider, who will get his first opportunity to sample MotoGP machinery during the post-season Valencia Test.

Gresini will also field a substantially revamped line-up next season. Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer are moving on, with Holgado joining 2020 MotoGP World Champion Joan Mir at the Italian squad.

The combination of a highly rated MotoGP rookie and an experienced former world champion gives Gresini an interesting blend of youth and experience heading into the new era.

For Holgado, the opportunity to learn from Mir while adapting to MotoGP machinery could prove particularly valuable during his debut season.

Holgado ready for MotoGP challenge

Holgado’s promotion is the latest step in a career that has seen him progress rapidly from the Spanish junior ranks to the Moto3 and Moto2 podiums.

The 2027 MotoGP season will present an entirely new challenge, but Holgado arrives with a proven record of adapting quickly to new categories and competing at the sharp end.

With Ducati machinery underneath him and Gresini providing the platform, the Spanish rider will be one of the young names to watch when the new MotoGP era gets underway.

His rivalry with Alonso will add another intriguing subplot, while the battle for 2027 MotoGP Rookie of the Year promises to be one of the highlights of the season.