The young Spanish pilot Daniel Holgado (21 years old) is about to take a decisive step in his career. The Gresini Racing team officially announced on Thursday, July 2, 2026, the signing of the Moto2 rider for the 2027 season. MotoGP.
Gresini is betting on youth
Holgado will ride a Ducati for Nadia Padovani's satellite team, becoming the first rookie officially confirmed on the 2027 MotoGP grid.He will likely be partnered with former world champion Joan Mir, who is expected to leave Honda to join Gresini..
This arrival is part of a broader transfer movement: Gresini's two current riders, Álex Márquez and Fermín Aldeguer, are expected to leave the team at the end of the 2026 season. Márquez is tipped to join the factory KTM team, while Aldeguer would remain under contract with Ducati but would be transferred to VR46..
A journey full of promise
Born on April 27, 2005 in Sant Vicent del Raspeig (Alicante), Daniel Holgado has climbed the ranks of the world championship with impressive regularity.After being crowned CEV Moto3 Junior World Champion in 2021He made his Moto3 debut in 2022 with the Ajo team.
In 2023, he established himself as a serious contender for the Moto3 title, winning three victories (Portugal, France, Italy) and leading the championship for much of the season before collapsing in the final rounds due to "arm pump" problems.The following year, he finished as runner-up in the world championship behind a ruthless David Alonso..
A successful adaptation to Moto2
For 2025, Holgado is making the jump to Moto2 with the CFMOTO Aspar Team, alongside David AlonsoHe adapted quickly to the intermediate category, securing his first victory at the Catalan Grand Prix. and finishing the season in sixth place in the overall standingsHe was also voted "Rookie of the Year" in Moto2..
In 2026, his second season in Moto2, Holgado confirmed his talent. He started the year with a podium finish in Thailand, then won the Brazilian Grand Prix.Despite some inconsistent results and a technical disqualification at Le MansHe currently occupies sixth place in the championship.
A context of technological revolution
Holgado's arrival in MotoGP coincides with a major regulatory change. The premier class will switch from 1000cc to 850cc in 2027, with Pirelli tires and a ban on ride height reduction devices.A transition that could benefit rookies, all of whom face the same adaptations.
Holgado is not the only young driver making the jump: several other rookies are expected on the 2027 grid, including David Alonso (at Honda), Izan Guevara (at Pramac) and perhaps Senna Agius or Manuel González..
A measured bet
While some voices question the consistency of the young Spaniard in Moto2Gresini Racing has chosen to bet on his potential. The Italian team officially announced his signing with a cinematic nod, nicknamed the driver "Young Holgado" in reference to the series Young Sheldon.
On the cusp of the 2027 MotoGP revolution, Daniel Holgado He embodies the new generation destined to shake up the established hierarchy. It remains to be seen whether the raw talent of the young Spaniard will be able to express itself on the most powerful machines in the world.
