Who is Daniel Holgado? Everything to know about Moto2 rider set for 2027 MotoGP debut with Gresini

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Daniel Holgado is being linked with a move to Gresini for the 2027 MotoGP season, so here is everything that you need to know about the Spanish talent currently in Moto2.

Holgado is a determined rider who gradually made his way through the world championship categories, and is now believed to be on the cusp of graduating to the premier class in 2027. Gresini are thought to have turned their attentions to Holgado as part of a refreshed line-up.

Reports began to surface at the end of March 2026 that claim Gresini intend to sign Holgado for their 2027 MotoGP line-up, ahead of Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer both leaving the Faenza natives. Marquez has been linked with KTM, while Aldeguer is expected to join VR46.

Graduating to MotoGP in 2027 would mark the latest step on Holgado’s journey that started with him first cutting his teeth in the renowned Spanish motorcycle racing school, the Cuna de Campeones. His racing journey also began in the junior categories in Europe from 2018.

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Daniel Holgado rejected Yamaha and KTM to make his MotoGP debut with Gresini in 2027

Gresini winning the race to sign Holgado marked quite the coup for the team, as he was also on the radars of rival MotoGP teams. It is claimed that Holgado rejected a chance to debut in MotoGP with Yamaha, having held talks with the Japanese brand before deciding on Gresini.

Additionally, before the links with Gresini developed, Pit Beirer confirmed that KTM were in talks with Holgado in March 2026. The 2027 MotoGP regulations with 850cc engines, a ban on ride-height devices and more restrictions on aero proved appealing to debuting a rookie.

Yamaha, Gresini and KTM spoke to Holgado in early 2026 after he emerged as a Moto2 title contender during his second campaign in the intermediate class. Race wins had largely been scarce in Moto3, but he won twice as a rookie in Moto2 and then the second race of 2026.

Holgado had not won a race as a rookie prior to reaching Moto2 in 2025 since he won once during the 2020 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. The Rookies Cup had marked his first outing on the world stage, and finishing third in the 2021 standings led to his full arrival in Moto3.

Revered talent spotter Aki Ajo took Holgado under his wing at KTM Ajo for the 2022 Moto3 season, before he enjoyed two seasons with the KTM-affiliated Tech3 Moto3 crew. Holgado even made his Moto2 debut during the 2025 campaign for KTM’s strategic partner CFMoto.

Now, Holgado looks set to leave the KTM stable entirely to debut in MotoGP on a Ducati for Gresini in 2027. With that in mind, here is everything that you need to know about Holgado.

How old is Daniel Holgado? When was he born?

At the time of writing, Daniel Holgado is 20 years old as he was born on April 27, 2005.

Where was Daniel Holgado born? What is his nationality?

Daniel Holgado was born in San Vicente del Raspeig – a municipality in Spain – making him Spanish. San Vicente del Raspeig is in the comarca of Alacanti in the Valencian Community.

How tall is Daniel Holgado? What is his height in feet?

Standing at a height of 167cm, Daniel Holgado measures in at only 5 ft 5 in feet and inches.

What is Daniel Holgado’s nickname?

As well as going by ‘Dani’ in place of Daniel, Holgado gained the nickname ‘The Hammer’ for his aggressive riding style and ability to produce consistent lap times in qualifying and races.

What has been said about Daniel Holgado? Is he any good?

Daniel Holgado is one of the hottest young talents in the world championship paddock, and he first attracted interest from MotoGP teams whilst still competing in the lower categories. Marc Marquez named Holgado as a 2026 Moto2 title contender prior to the season, as well.

Alberto Martinelli, who managed Holgado until 2025, even shared in April 2026 that Gresini owner Nadia Padovani has long appreciated the Spaniard. Martinelli also explained the skills that set Holgado apart from his peers, who might have more talent but lack his “dedication”.

He told GPOne: “To be honest, I believe David Alonso has more raw talent than Holgado. But Daniel’s strength lies elsewhere. He has dedication, motivation and a drive to succeed that are truly extraordinary.

“He’s not as versatile as Alonso, but he makes up for it with hard work. He has an incredibly strong mental attitude. He wants to succeed at all costs, and, in the end, that pays off.

“He might have a slight gap in terms of raw talent, but he makes up for it with commitment, dedication and consistency… Nadia Padovani has always had a soft spot for him.”

Daniel Holgado’s career stats

Below, MotoGP News lists Daniel Holgado’s career stats through the most recent full season.