- Alonso is set to race alongside Fabio Quartararo in Honda’s factory team in 2027
- Holgado reportedly moving to Gresini Racing with Ducati machinery
- Honda plans to expand to six motorcycles on the MotoGP grid
The MotoGP rider market is moving earlier and more intensely in the 2026 season than almost ever before. 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 a massive shake-up. According to matching reports from Spanish sports newspaper AS and journalist Mela Chercoles, the next major personnel moves are now in place: 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 is one of the greatest talents motorcycle racing has produced in recent years. The Colombian, born in Madrid, debuted in the Moto3 World Championship in 2023 and delivered a historic title-winning season 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. For current factory riders Luca Marini and Joan Mir, these developments very likely spell the end of their time at Honda.
Holgado Set to Join Gresini Ducati
The second major rookie transfer 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 will be transferred to the VR46 team.
Gresini Stays with Ducati and Brings 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.
KTM Loses the Battle for Both Moto2 Talents
For KTM, the reports represent a significant setback. 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 already facing a difficult transition: Pedro Acosta is set to move to Ducati in 2027, and Brad Binder has been delivering disappointing results.
The Big Picture: MotoGP 2027 Gets a Complete Overhaul
The most important transfers considered certain for 2027: Marc Marquez extends with Ducati, Pedro Acosta moves from KTM to Ducati, Francesco Bagnaia joins Aprilia, Fabio Quartararo switches from Yamaha to Honda, Jorge Martin moves from Aprilia to Yamaha, and Alex Marquez transfers 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 will 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?
KTM is losing its most important rider, Pedro Acosta, to Ducati and was apparently unable to secure 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?
The hottest candidate is Moto3 rider Maximo Quiles, a protege of Marc Marquez. Quiles leads the 2026 Moto3 overall standings.
➜ 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.
