Manuel Gonzalez’s manager, Eddy Rovelli, has criticized MotoGP amid ongoing debates about rider selections for upcoming seasons, as Gonzalez remains absent from the grid despite his promising career. Although Gonzalez was a leading contender for the 2025 Moto2 title, a retirement and disqualification changed the championship outcome, allowing Diogo Moreira to secure a historic comeback win. During that period, several MotoGP teams were reportedly interested in Gonzalez’s talent.
Gonzalez tested with Trackhouse Aprilia at Aragon and impressed the team; however, with Ai Ogura and Raul Fernandez confirmed for 2026, no space was available for him. Despite potential interest from Honda, which ultimately signed Moreira to LCR, Gonzalez faced limited options moving forward.
Assessing the Riders Eligible for MotoGP in 2026
Pramac Yamaha emerged as Gonzalez’s remaining possibility for 2026, but they opted to retain Jack Miller alongside newcomer Toprak Razgatlioglu instead. This decision diminished Gonzalez’s chances of advancing to MotoGP after narrowly missing out on the Moto2 championship.
Rovelli Expresses Frustration Over MotoGP’s Rider Retention Choices
With numerous MotoGP contracts expiring in 2026, a slot might open up for Gonzalez in the 2027 season. Nonetheless, Eddy Rovelli disclosed to Speedweek that Gonzalez is currently absent from any discussions within the MotoGP landscape.
“Believe it or not, the fact is that I don’t speak to anyone in MotoGP,”
said Rovelli, openly criticizing the sport’s management.
He further outlined his view that Moto2 is becoming increasingly disconnected from MotoGP, stating that many decision-makers no longer fully understand the intermediate category’s dynamics. Rovelli finds it perplexing that several MotoGP riders retain their spots despite underwhelming recent performances.
He added,
“Frankly, it’s shocking how little they know about the riders in the intermediate category.”
Rovelli suggested that team leaders favor established names over emerging talent, resulting in stagnation within the MotoGP rider lineup despite clear statistical evidence showing some riders’ decline.
“Right now, with the completely new bikes and the upcoming Pirelli tires, there would be a great opportunity to bring about a generational change in MotoGP. But as I said, there are absolutely no signs of that yet.”
Potential Career Paths: Gonzalez Likely to Move to World Superbikes
Given the current lack of MotoGP opportunities for Gonzalez in 2027, alternative racing options are under consideration. Staying in Moto2 is not a feasible long-term strategy, according to Rovelli.
He identified the World Superbike Championship as the most plausible alternative for Gonzalez’s next step. Rovelli emphasized that the MotoGP paddock’s future focus will intensify on the premier class, making Moto2 less suitable as a career goal for a rider of Gonzalez’s caliber.
“Within the MotoGP paddock, it’s becoming clear that in the future, the focus will be even more strongly on the premier class, and for the hard-working top rider Manuel, who in my opinion can make his way in any class, Moto2 is not a good long-term option.”
The unfolding situation highlights the challenges and uncertainties surrounding rider career progression within MotoGP’s current structure, raising questions about the sport’s approach to nurturing emerging talent. For Gonzalez, the decision to consider World Superbikes could mark a significant turning point in his racing career, reflecting ongoing debates over talent recognition and strategic team choices in MotoGP.
