Marco Bezzecchi
The 2025 Moto2 season produced one of the most dramatic championship battles in the category’s history, and it sets up an exciting campaign for 2026.
Diogo Moreira took the crown in 2025, marking the greatest comeback in Moto2 history as he beat Manuel Gonzalez to the title by 30 points. The Brazilian was 60 points behind his rival after he retired in Brno.
With four wins, he became the first Brazilian rider to win the intermediate class. For 2026, Moreira will race with LCR Honda in MotoGP, leaving behind an exciting grid for next season in Moto2.
From championship protagonists to riders looking for redemption, to rookies hoping to make their mark, MotoGP News has picked out five Moto2 riders that fans should be watching in 2026.
Manuel Gonzalez
Naturally, one has to start with the 2025 runner-up, who looked like a shoo-in for the championship before the summer break. The Spaniard had four wins to his name, but he did not win again after Mugello or finish on the podium after Balaton Park.
A torrid end to the season saw Moreira usurp him for the title and, ultimately, a MotoGP seat. Gonzalez was linked with Pramac for next season, but Yamaha opted to retain Jack Miller to partner with Toprak Razgatlioglu.
His commanding lead in Moto2 in the first half of 2025 shows he is a top talent, and he will be looking to redeem himself and go one better in 2026. With MotoGP teams having held interest, a title win could be just what Gonzalez needs to reach the premier class.
Barry Baltus
Before 2025, Barry Baltus was struggling immensely in Moto2. In his previous four seasons in the intermediate class, his best championship finish was 17th, with just one podium to his name in his time in the category.
However, the Belgian dramatically upped his game in 2025, grabbing seven podiums and finishing an impressive third behind Moreira and Gonzalez. After such a huge turnaround, and with his first Moto2 win still eluding him, Baltus is certainly one to watch in 2026.
David Alonso
It is not surprising to see all MotoGP brands offering contracts to David Alonso for the future. The Colombian has proven himself to be a truly exceptional talent.
After winning 14 out of 20 races in Moto3 in 2024, Alonso had an impressive rookie season in Moto2 this year, finishing ninth with one win and five podiums.
Alonso reminds Marc Marquez of himself after the Ant of Cervera watched him this year. The 19-year-old will certainly be a title contender in 2026 and a top talent on the MotoGP rider market, with several teams eyeing his signature.
Senna Agius
Senna Agius wanted to improve on his 2024 Moto2 season, where he finished 18th. He certainly did that in 2025, claiming his first two wins in the category, including on home soil at Phillip Island.
Several people are tipping the Australian to have an even better campaign in 2026, including those within the MotoGP paddock. MotoGP teams are keeping tabs on Agius, and a strong seaosn in the intermediate class could be what he needs for them to pay attention.
Jose Antonio Rueda
The 2025 Moto3 champion will definitely be one to watch in Moto2 next season. With 10 wins and 14 podiums, Jose Antonio Rueda has the credentials to be a real star in the intermediate class.
Fans will also be keeping an eye on him after his horrifying accident with Noah Dettwiler at Sepang. The Spaniard will be hoping to fully recover from the crash and have a competitive season in 2025.
Racing for Red Bull KTM Ajo, he has a direct link to the MotoGP team. With several riders out of contract in 2026, he could give the Austrian something to think about if he proves himself in Moto2.
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