- Alonso is set to race alongside Fabio Quartararo in Honda’s factory team in 2027
- Holgado is reportedly set to move to Gresini Racing with Ducati machinery
- Honda plans to expand to six motorcycles on the MotoGP grid
The MotoGP rider market for 2027 is already moving early in the 2026 season. With the upcoming regulation change to 850cc in 2027, the tire switch from Michelin to Pirelli, and the ban on ride-height devices, manufacturers are facing major technical changes. According to matching reports from Spanish sports newspaper AS and journalist Mela Chercoles, two more personnel decisions are now said to have been made: Moto2 stars David Alonso and Dani Holgado are set to make the leap to the premier class in 2027.
David Alonso on the Verge of Joining Honda’s Factory Team
David Alonso, a Colombian born in Madrid, debuted in the Moto3 World Championship in 2023 and won the title in 2024. With 14 victories in a single season, he broke Valentino Rossi’s long-standing record in the smallest class.
According to the reports, Alonso had his pick of MotoGP teams and chose Honda. There, he would ride alongside Fabio Quartararo in the factory team. Current factory riders Luca Marini and Joan Mir would then lose their seats in the Honda factory team.
Holgado Set to Join Gresini Ducati
The second possible rookie move involves Dani Holgado. The Spaniard currently races for CFMoto Aspar in Moto2 and leads the overall standings. According to AS, Holgado is set to join Gresini Racing in MotoGP for 2027. Alex Marquez is reportedly moving to KTM, while Fermin Aldeguer is said to be moving to the VR46 team.
Will Gresini Stay with Ducati and Bring Back Bastianini?
Ultimately, Gresini is set to remain with Ducati. Alongside Holgado, Enea Bastianini is being discussed as the second rider for 2027. The Italian previously raced for the team in 2022 and won four races that year. With Bastianini and Holgado, Ducati would again have six motorcycles on the MotoGP grid.
Honda Plans Expansion to Six Motorcycles
Honda is planning to field six motorcycles on the 2027 grid. The prerequisite is reaching an agreement with a second satellite team alongside LCR. Tech3, which was recently sold by Herve Poncharal to an investor group led by Guenther Steiner, is reportedly considering a change of motorcycle supplier.
What Do the Reports Mean for KTM?
If the reports prove correct, KTM would lose both Moto2 riders for MotoGP. Both Alonso and Holgado race in Moto2 under the KTM umbrella at CFMoto Aspar. KTM Motorsport Director Pit Beirer confirmed at the US Grand Prix that they were in talks with both riders. KTM is facing change elsewhere too, as Pedro Acosta is set to move to Ducati in 2027.
Which MotoGP 2027 Moves Are Considered Certain?
Several moves for 2027 are considered largely certain: Marc Marquez is expected to extend with Ducati, Pedro Acosta to move from KTM to Ducati and Francesco Bagnaia to join Aprilia. Fabio Quartararo is said to be switching from Yamaha to Honda, Jorge Martin from Aprilia to Yamaha and Alex Marquez from Gresini to KTM. However, only the Bezzecchi contract with Aprilia has been officially confirmed at this point.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When will David Alonso and Dani Holgado move to MotoGP?
According to reports from Spanish sports newspaper AS, both riders are set to step up to MotoGP for the 2027 season. Alonso is expected to join Honda, while Holgado is headed to Gresini Racing with Ducati machinery.
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Which team will David Alonso ride for in MotoGP 2027?
According to reports, Alonso is set to ride for Honda, potentially directly in the factory team alongside Fabio Quartararo. HRC has not yet decided whether he will immediately join the factory squad or start with a satellite team.
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How many motorcycles is Honda planning for MotoGP 2027?
Honda is planning six motorcycles on the grid, split across the factory team and two satellite teams. Alongside LCR, Tech3 is being discussed as a potential second partner.
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What does the 2027 rider market mean for KTM?
According to the reports, KTM is set to lose Pedro Acosta to Ducati and will not be able to keep Alonso or Holgado either. In return, Alex Marquez is reportedly set to join as a new factory rider.
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Who will replace Alonso and Holgado in Moto2?
Moto3 rider Maximo Quiles, a protege of Marc Marquez, is being discussed as a possible replacement. Quiles leads the 2026 Moto3 overall standings.
➜ More on this topic in our overview: 2027 MotoGP Season: The Complete Overview.
➜ This article is part of our comprehensive overview: 2026 MotoGP Season: The Complete Overview – Teams, Riders, Calendar & Championship Standings. Find all key information on this topic in one place.
