The previews The 2026 season is officially underway! While the MotoGP paddock is buzzing in Sepang, with testing and transfer rumors swirling around the globe, we mustn't forget the other two classes. Today, I'm going to talk about Moto3, the flagship category for young guns. Who has the best chance of winning? Who has the most to lose? Let's get started!
The era of specialists at its peak
Each year, the Moto3 grid grows stronger in talent. It seems hard to believe, but it's true. Certain measures have contributed to the professionalization of the grid, to the point that its riders, who have only ever known Moto3, have become true specialists. This poses a problem for access to Moto2 and MotoGP, but we have already talked about this a lot.
As a result, 2026 will be one of the most productive years for "Moto3 talent," meaning young guns who have excelled in lower categories.I don't even know where to turn when I hear about the names of those involved, it's terrible.
On the rookie side, I would like to draw your attention to Brian Uriarte, winner of the MotoGP Red Bull Rookies Cup 2025 and FIM JuniorGP 2025. Previously, no one expected to achieve the double, but it has become commonplace since 2022. Uriarte has more or less dominated both championships, and will, of course, be welcomed to the world championship by Red Bull KTM Ajo, the best Moto3 team since the championship's inception in 2012. So expect mind-blowing performances from the Spaniard, who will undoubtedly follow in the footsteps of his predecessors – Wheel, Piqueras, Carp, and AcostaIt should be noted that he took part in four races in 2025, and had shown himself to be quite fast in Malaysia.
Beyond the rookies, those who will be in charge this year were already present in 2025, that's for sure. For me, the contenders for the crown will be: Maximo Quiles, undoubtedly the favorite for the world title, at Aspar, and Alvaro Carpe, at Ajo.
They have no choice
On this grid, I've identified two riders for whom time is running out. Indeed, Adrian Fernandez, with Honda Leopard Racing, and David Munoz, with IntactGP, have already had many opportunities to shine but have never responded. Both are very fast – especially Munoz – and both are more than capable of securing pole positions and wins throughout the season. But both will need to take the next step to compete for the world title. Admittedly, they are both quite young in absolute terms, but everything moves very quickly in Moto3. Can you have high-performing equipment for three, four, or even five years, still not be among the favorites, and yet still have the confidence of all the teams? I honestly think we're not far from a last chance in Moto3 for both of them., especially since this "warning" also applies to David Munoz's behavior.
They can surprise you
I have also identified a significant number of outsiders. Let's start with Joel KelsoOn the one hand, he's very consistent, and yes, he was in contention for a top-five finish for a long time in 2025. But on the other hand, I don't really believe it, because he doesn't have the speed of his rivals, for one thing, and because he doesn't have their equipment either. You might think that in Moto3, a very competitive category, talent alone is the deciding factor, but in reality, it's the class most often dominated by the same teams. If you look at its history, all the title-winning riders since 2012 rode for either Ajo, Leopard, Gresini, or Aspar. Two exceptions remain : Maverick Vinales, in 2013, but his team was still very successful at the time, as was Alex Marquez, in 2014, at Estrella Galicia 0,0, a top team.
In Moto3, there are currently only two different bikes, and the one you need is undeniably the KTM. At Honda, only the bike used by Leopard Racing is competitive, and that's not the one Joel Kelso will have, as he'll be racing for Gryd – MlaV Racing. To put it simply, I don't believe it.
Next, at Leopard, we'll find Guido Pini, the rookie who caused a sensation in 2025He's very talented, certainly, but he also rides a Honda, and I think that's too significant a handicap to win the title. While Jaume Masia did win the championship with the Luxembourg team in 2023, since the latest KTM upgrade (early 2024), they've faced very little competition.
While David Almansa, Ryusei Yamanaka, and Joel Esteban can all challenge the favorites, I think the main outsider this year will be the Argentinian. Valentin Perrone, at KTM Tech3. He was a revelation in 2025, and he will have the right bike to go for victories.
Time for the prediction!
Okay, time to get my cards close to my chest. Even though I'm hesitant to make a prediction about Muñoz, I imagine the title will come down to Maximo Quiles and Alvaro Carpe, as mentioned earlier. The thing is, I see Quiles as a driver of the same caliber as Acosta and Alonso. Carpe doesn't seem to be at that level at the moment, but I could be wrong. At Aspar, Quiles can absolutely dominate the year like his Colombian predecessor did, which is why he has my favour.
Who do you think will prevail? 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: Leopard Racing