According to reports, Ducati are expected to place Dani Holgado at Gresini next season, despite pressure from MotoGP bosses for more diversity on the grid.
Holgado is set to join a growing list of riders on factory deals racing for satellite teams, following a similar path as Fermin Aldeguer and possibly Fabio Di Giannantonio. As for his future teammate, Enea Bastianini is currently the frontrunner ahead of World Superbikes leader Nicolo Bulega.
The Spaniard finished second in the Moto2 standings last year after breaking through with three wins and six podiums. He also came sixth in his rookie campaign. After three races this season, he’s third in the championship despite going scoreless at Austin due to a penalty.
Dani Holgado’s Gresini move could add to Spanish presence in MotoGP
As reported by Motorpasion Moto, the MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (formerly Dorna) is looking to address the number of Spanish riders on the grid. Eight of this year’s 22 riders are from Spain, making up more than a third of the field.
They’ve been encouraging teams to bring in riders who can attract new audiences. The hope was that commercial incentives would outweigh any potential drawbacks on track, but teams don’t seem to be buying into that approach.
MSEG have admitted that when a rider’s performances in the lower categories are ‘unquestionable’, they’ll move up regardless of where they’re from. In Holgado’s case, though, they don’t see his results as being exceptional enough for promotion.
Ducati have gone ahead with his signing ‘against the wishes of Dorna’, and it appears their roster will be filled by Spaniards and Italians next season.
Another Spaniard could join the MotoGP grid in 2027
Combined with the Italian riders, those two countries now make up more than 60% of the field.
The report also mentions that Alex Rins and Franco Morbidelli are ‘practically out’ for next year, but that will be offset by the expected arrival of Holgado and Izan Guevara. Rumours linking Guevara to Pramac for next season are picking up steam.
This leaves Jack Miller’s place in MotoGP under threat, which is a concern for organisers as the Australian Grand Prix prepares to move to Adelaide.
But there could still be an Aussie on the grid. Senna Agius is being tipped to make the jump from Moto2 in 2027.
Elsewhere, Colombian David Alonso, who currently rides alongside Holgado at Aspar, is expected to join Honda’s lineup.
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