Pecco Bagnaia is the tree that hides the forest. If we can think that Italy is correctly represented in the MotoGP championships, it is nothing compared to Spain, which has not finished producing champions, each one as talented as the next. Many have no idea what awaits us over the next ten years, even though they already have a Catalan taste. An analysis of the new wave that is coming is necessary.
Spain and the others
Thanks to the efforts of Pecco Bagnaia, Marco Bezzecchi and Enea Bastianini, Italy has not been ridiculous in recent years. But beyond the victory, a new golden generation trained in the Iberian Peninsula is preparing to arrive at the highest level; and it will hurt a lot. To give you an idea, it's even bigger than the first wave of the mid-2000s, which had already made more than one spectator allergic to Marcha Real.
This is not entirely observed in the premier category, I grant you. First, because Pecco Bagnaia dominates, but also because the Italians – and particularly those trained by Valentino Rossi through the Academy – are putting up resistance. But in recent years, The Doctor and his troops have abandoned the lower categories to devote themselves to MotoGP, with success in fact. Thus, there is no longer any real room for the training of young Italians, who are completely absent from the top ranks in Moto3 for example. No need to talk about the French void, which can only count on its heroes Johann Zarco and Fabio Quartararo – also with strong Hispanic accents – to shine. This leaves a crazy place for Spain, even bigger than before.
After Bagnaia, Spain will do very badly. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Constantly new talents
When studying the Spanish contingent, several elements stand out. This country has a rather rare particularity, because it combines quantity and quality. Quantity first. It's no secret, the Spanish have been over-represented (ten in Moto3 against six Italians) for a long time now. MotoGP has always had a strong influence from this region, and this is also why the passion there is so great.
But the quality impresses me even more. It's as if, every year in Moto3, a new generational talent arrives, one of those who can change motorcycling history. This tradition of excellence is not new. Dani Pedrosa and Jorge Lorenzo were two of the first golden boys, but casually, they became rarer after 2010. Today, at the start of each exercise in the smallest class, we present a crack. And they almost never fail.
Recently, it started with Pedro Acosta, in 2021. No need to remind you of the track record of the guy, who is today the best KTM rider in MotoGP as a rookie. Then, in 2023, David Alonso revealed himself. Okay, he is Colombian, but born in Madrid, holder of dual nationality and indeed from the Spanish team with a season in CEV as well as an introduction by the team of Jorge “Aspar” Martinez, largely responsible for the success of the country for several decades.
Alonso Lopez, a real crack profile still to be refined. Photo: Speed Up
In 2023, still, we were also talking about José Antonio Rueda (cover photo). He was the first to win the JuinorGP World Championship and the MotoGP Red Bull Rookies Cup in the same year! Today, he is still very strong even if an attack of appendicitis considerably affected his start to the season.
What was an achievement became the norm in no time. In 2024, we were now presented with the genius Angel Piqueras, also victorious in the two prestigious championships in 2023. With its fluorescent yellow No. 36 on a Honda Leopard, it's impossible not to have flashbacks by Joan Mir. And of course, he has already been on the podium after three races and achieved his first pole at Assen.
You think it's over, but it's not at all. Aki Ajo, accustomed to nuggets just like Aspar, unearthed the young Xabi Zurutuza coming directly from the Basque country. However, he was under 18 for the Qatar Grand Prix, which is now the minimum age to register for the start of his first GP season, unless certain conditions are met. Never mind ! He made his first start in Austin, and has struggled since then, sure, but still very promising.
Other nations don't have as much raw talent shining through. Look at Fermin Aldeguer and Alonso Lopez, in Moto2, whose courses were off the beaten track.
The future dominated
When we look at what happens in the years to come, it's even more impressive. The JuniorGP world championship, which has not seen a non-Spanish title since Dennis Foggia in 2017, is currently dominated by four of them, with Alvaro Carpe in the lead. With six young guns, it is also the best represented country, obviously. Same observation in MotoGP Red Bull Rookies Cup, where Can Oncu, thanks to his efforts dating from 2018, is still the last non-Hispanic to win. Three Spaniards appear in the top 4, with, for the only exception, an Argentinian named Valentin Perrone in third position. The last of this quartet is none other than the young Maximo Quiles, a 16-year-old prodigy who trains regularly with Marc Marquez. It promises.
In turn, Pedro Acosta will be able to inspire. Photo: Tech3
Conclusion
It is always difficult to explain why motorcycle sport is so popular in Spain, but today, it is part of the sporting culture of a country that is extremely strong in all disciplines, and for which its training is often awarded. Spain is synonymous with excellence ; add to that the inspiration that Marc Marquez currently represents for the younger generation and you obtain a sort of virtuous circle, favored by the natural Spanish accent of the world championship. Thanks to its most important actors, Carmelo Ezpeleta in the lead, of course, but also by its artisans like Jorge Martinez, who never ceases to nourish the greatness of his country of origin.
Did you see this new wave of Spaniards coming, each as talented as the next? Tell me in the comments!
As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.
Cover photo: Red Bull KTM Ajo
