Marco Bezzecchi
Gresini have confirmed that Moto2 star Daniel Holgado will step up to MotoGP and race for the team in 2027.
The satellite Ducati team are set to have an all-new rider pairing for 2027, as Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer have agreed deals with KTM and VR46, respectively.
It has left Nadia Padovani searching for two new riders, and she has taken a gamble on a rookie. Holgado will move up from Moto2 and ride a Ducati with Gresini on a two-year deal, the team confirmed on Thursday.
Daniel Holgado to join MotoGP with Gresini in 2027
The 21-year-old Spaniard is currently in his second season in Moto2 in 2026. After finishing runner-up in Moto3 in 2024 to his current CFMoto Aspar teammate, David Alonso, he finished sixth in the intermediate class in 2025.
After nine races in 2026, Holgado is P6 in the standings with one win and three podiums. He is 90.5 points behind championship leader Manu Gonzalez.
Amid the Moto2 title fight, Holgado already has his future secure as he links up with Gresini for the next two years. It is all change in MotoGP next year, as the sport rolls out the 850cc bike, with Pirelli tyres and no ride height devices.
What do you think Dani Holgado will achieve in MotoGP?
Holgado was signed ‘against the wishes of Dorna’ as he adds another Spaniard to the grid. The sport’s owners are worried about the nation’s dominance in MotoGP and want to add new countries, but Gresini clearly see a talent in their new addition.
He is just one of many Moto2 riders expected to move up in 2027. Aspar’s boss already confirmed Holgado and Alonso will be in MotoGP next year – the former has now been officially announced, while the latter is set to join Honda’s ranks.
Holgado is set to have an experienced teammate next to him at Gresini, in 2020 MotoGP champion Joan Mir, following his departure from Honda.
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