Marc Marquez, fresh off his 2025 MotoGP World Championship win, remains the top favourite for the upcoming 2026 season. However, when it comes to the Moto2 World Championship, Marquez finds the contest more uncertain. He sees the title fight shaping up between two emerging riders, David Alonso and Daniel Holgado, both from the Aspar Team, who are poised to challenge fiercely for the crown.
The Moto2 category is wide open for 2026, with ten different race winners from the previous year returning to compete. Despite the presence of seasoned riders like Manuel Gonzalez, Aron Canet, and Celestino Vietti, Marquez’s attention has turned to younger talent now entering their second season in the class.
Emerging Talents Poised for Impact in Moto2
David Alonso, a Colombian rider, and Spaniard Daniel Holgado moved up to Moto2 in 2025 after battling closely in Moto3 during 2024. Both riders made their presence felt immediately, securing race wins and regularly finishing on the podium toward the end of their debut seasons. This strong performance has set a stage for a potential title clash next year.
Asked by Simon Patterson about who might clinch the 2026 championship, Marquez expressed his uncertainty between the two rivals, emphasizing the intensity of their competition. He said,
“I’m between David Alonso and [Daniel] Holgado, close. Aspar Team!”
David Alonso’s Growing Reputation Among MotoGP Veterans
While Marquez withheld judgement on who will ultimately triumph, David Alonso’s promise has caught the eye of respected MotoGP veterans. Dani Pedrosa, currently a KTM test rider and a MotoGP legend himself, remarked during the 2025 MotoGP Hall of Fame launch that Alonso has the potential to become a future Hall of Famer.
Pedrosa also identified Maximo Quiles, a Moto3 rider from the Aspar Team currently favored for the 2026 Moto3 title, as another rising star to watch closely.
What Lies Ahead for Moto2 in 2026
The upcoming Moto2 season looks set to be defined by a tight competition between young talents stepping up from the lower classes. With Marquez closely monitoring the battles within the Aspar Team, the duel between Alonso and Holgado promises to be one of the most captivating storylines. Their progress could shape not only the Moto2 championship but potentially influence the composition of the MotoGP grid in the following years.
As seasoned riders and promising rookies prepare for the 2026 campaign, fans and experts alike will be watching eagerly to see which contender emerges as a true force in the sport, continuing the legacy of excellence in motorcycle racing.
We did Moto3, now we’re doing Moto2: the MotoGP grid predicts the champion! pic.twitter.com/i4dZuAeECF
— Simon Patterson (@denkmit) February 9, 2026
