Daniel Holgado is attracting interest from Gresini for a potential spot in their 2027 MotoGP line-up. Here’s a closer look at the Spanish rider currently making his mark in Moto2.
Holgado has built his reputation step by step, working his way up through the ranks of the world championship. Now, it looks like he could be ready to take another leap, with Gresini reportedly considering him as part of a new-look team for 2027.
By March 2026, reports started linking Holgado to a spot in Gresini’s 2027 MotoGP line-up, with both Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer expected to depart. Marquez was being mentioned as a KTM target, while Aldeguer was tipped to join VR46.
If Holgado does make the jump to MotoGP in 2027, it will cap off a path that began back when he was coming through the Cuna de Campeones academy and racing across junior levels in Europe back in 2018.
Daniel Holgado turned down Yamaha and KTM offers to make Gresini his MotoGP entry in 2027
Holgado has decided to make his MotoGP debut with Gresini in 2027, passing up interest from other teams. He had already spoken with Yamaha about a possible move, but ultimately chose Gresini.
Meanwhile, KTM confirmed through Pit Beirer that they had held discussions with Holgado back in March 2026. The new 2027 MotoGP regulations—featuring an 850cc engine limit, removal of ride-height devices, and tighter aero rules—made it an appealing time for teams to bring rookies into the series.
After establishing himself as a contender during his second season in the intermediate class, Holgado attracted attention from multiple top-tier teams. While he didn’t have many wins in Moto3, he quickly made his mark in Moto2 with two victories as a rookie and another early win in the 2026 season.
Before stepping up to Moto2 in 2025, Holgado hadn’t recorded a win since his lone victory during the 2020 Red Bull Rookies Cup season. That series introduced him to a wider audience, and after placing third overall the following year, he moved up to Moto3.
KTM’s Aki Ajo brought Holgado into the fold, where he spent two years before joining Tech3’s junior setup. In 2025, Holgado got his first taste of intermediate class action through CFMoto—a strategic partner of KTM at the time.
This time around, though, it appears like he could be departing KTM altogether to join Ducati via Gresini for what will be a busy period ahead of him preparing for his rookie campaign at the senior level.
How old is Daniel Holgado, and when was he born?
Daniel Holgado is 20 years old, having been born on April 27, 2005.
Where was Daniel Holgado born? What is his nationality?
Daniel Holgado hails from San Vicente del Raspeig, a town located in the Alacantí region of Spain’s Valencian Community, and holds Spanish nationality.
Daniel Holgado height: How tall is the MotoGP star?
Daniel Holgado’s height is 167 cm, which is just over 5 ft 5 in.
Why do people call Daniel Holgado ‘The Hammer’?
Holgado is often called ‘The Hammer’ thanks to his aggressive style and consistent pace, particularly in qualifying sessions and races. He’s also known as ‘Dani’, a common short form of his first name.
Is Daniel Holgado a good rider? Here’s what people have said about him
Daniel Holgado is widely regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in the world championship paddock, and he caught the attention of MotoGP teams even before moving up the ranks. Ahead of the 2026 season, Marc Marquez even mentioned Holgado as a potential Moto2 title challenger.
Alberto Martinelli, who managed Holgado until 2025, also mentioned in April 2026 that Gresini owner Nadia Padovani has long admired the Spanish rider. Martinelli highlighted what makes Holgado stand out, noting that while others might have more raw talent, they often lack his “dedication”.
Speaking to GPOne, he said: “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.”
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