Marco Bezzecchi
Moto3 is entering quite a turbulent and unknown period of its history in 2026, given the upcoming changes from Dorna and the aftermath of the 2025 season.
Dorna are looking to discount Moto2 and Moto3 titles as they try to move MotoGP away from the junior categories. In 2025, the lightweight class saw Jose Antonio Rueda dominate the championship, winning 10 races and clinching the title by 84 points.
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The Spaniard did not take part in the final three races in 2025 after a devastating accident. Rueda collided with Noah Dettwiler in Sepang, leaving both in critical condition.
Thankfully, Dettwiler is back on the mend, but will not compete in Moto3 in 2026. Rueda will move up to Moto2 as he continues his charge through the ranks.
As one champion moves up, another will be found in the lightweight class next season, and several young talents are in the running. So, with that said, MotoGP News has looked at five Moto3 riders that fans should be looking out for in 2026.
Maximo Quiles
2025 rookie Maximo Quiles sure made an impression this season, winning three races. Despite missing four of the first five rounds, the Spaniard finished third in the standings behind Rueda and Angel Piqueras.
Staying with the CFMoto Aspar Team in 2026, Quiles will be gunning for the title, and he has the right people around him. He is the protege of Marc Marquez, who has been watching him throughout his career.
Speaking of his talent to Crash, he said: “Maximo arrived in the championship with very good energy, a good mentality, which is the most important thing for a young talent.
“We are a team. This kid has something special, but now he needs to enjoy it. He needs to do the mistakes of a young talent.
“He needs to burn all of those moments in the world championship, but especially the most important thing he needs to be aware of social media, good comments, because the feet on the ground is the most important thing for a young rider.
Joel Kelso
Joel Kelso is entering his sixth season in Moto3 in 2026, and he is coming off his best year to date in the category.
The Australian has struggled to find consistency in the lightweight class, but appeared to turn a corner in 2025. Kelso is still yet to win a race in Moto3, but four podiums helped him finish sixth in the standings.
It seems that he has finally found his feet and is capable of challenging at the front. Kelso will be desperate to grab his first win in Moto3, and he is surely on the way to doing so in 2026.
Scott Ogden
Scott Ogden made progress in 2025, grabbing his first Moto3 pole position at the Sachsenring. Unfortunately, he retired from the race, which pretty much summed up his season – he struggled to score top results.
The British rider finished the season in 15th with just three top-10 finishes. But 2025 was his best year by far, and if he can continue that progression in 2025, a maiden podium may not be too far away.
David Munoz
David Munoz showcased his talent in 2025, winning three races and claiming eight podiums, including five consecutive podiums between Assen and Balaton Park.
However, a tough start to the year, with three DNFs, and his season being cut short after a crash in Indonesia, had a devastating impact on him. He finished P5 in the championship, but if he can stay fit in 2026, he is definitely capable of more.
Adrian Fernandez
Adrian Fernandez, brother of Trackhouse MotoGP rider Raul, finally won his first race in Moto3 at the season finale in Valencia in 2025. He finished P7 in his sixth season in the category.
It was arguably his best season to date, with four podiums and two pole positions. Heading into his seventh year in Moto3, he will need to be fighting for the championship, and now that his first win has come, it could be the momentum that he needs.
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