Manu Gonzalez's impressive 2026 Moto2 campaign is increasingly being viewed as a launchpad to MotoGP, with the Spaniard emerging as one of the strongest candidates for a premier-class promotion next season.
Fresh from another dominant victory at Mugello, Gonzalez continues to lead the Moto2 standings after winning three races and collecting six podium finishes from the opening seven rounds. His consistency has helped him build a healthy championship advantage over closest rival Izan Guevara.
The 23-year-old's current form comes after a difficult end to last season, when a combination of misfortune and technical problems prevented him from securing the Moto2 title. Despite receiving offers to switch to the World Superbike Championship, Gonzalez chose to remain with the Intact GP team and continue pursuing his MotoGP ambitions.
That decision now appears to be paying off.
Interest from MotoGP teams has been growing since last year, when Trackhouse Racing offered Gonzalez a private test aboard an Aprilia RS-GP machine at Aragon. The opportunity arose during a period when regular rider Ai Ogura was sidelined through injury.
Gonzalez reportedly impressed throughout the test, completing 87 laps and delivering competitive lap times that caught the attention of Trackhouse management and Aprilia officials.
While no official announcement has been made regarding his future, Gonzalez hinted after his Mugello victory that positive developments are underway.
Source: Crash.net
The Spaniard suggested he has already demonstrated everything he can in Moto2 and acknowledged that discussions about the future are progressing.
"I don't know if there is anything else I can do in Moto2," Gonzalez said after Sunday's race.
He added that several encouraging opportunities are becoming clearer and indicated that further news could emerge in the near future.
Should Gonzalez secure a seat with Trackhouse, it could trigger changes elsewhere on the MotoGP grid. Current rider Raul Fernandez has been linked with a potential departure despite showing flashes of strong form this season.
Reports also suggest Trackhouse could be considering a future rider pairing involving Gonzalez and Enea Bastianini, although no decisions have been confirmed.
Beyond Gonzalez, several other Moto2 riders are expected to be in contention for MotoGP promotions in the coming years. Among the names frequently linked with a step up are Izan Guevara, David Alonso and Dani Holgado, highlighting what could become a significant new generation of talent entering the premier class.
For now, Gonzalez remains focused on securing the Moto2 crown, but his performances this season have left little doubt that he is rapidly becoming one of the hottest prospects in the MotoGP paddock.
