Qatar winner Daniel Holgado (Kalex): “I had the best bike of the year!”

On Friday, Moto2 star Daniel Holgado was the fastest rider at the Lusail International Circuit. In Saturday’s Qatar qualifying session, however, the Aspar rider was pipped to the post by Alex Escrig (Forward) and World Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez (Intact GP).

Holgado was not among the eight ‘troublemakers’ who were each demoted by three places on the grid after qualifying for ‘slow riding’ on the racing line. He actually benefited from this and moved up to second place. From there, Holgado got off to the best start in the race – he took the lead, but Escrig countered immediately after the first corner. Escrig then put in a strong performance at the front. Holgado and his team-mate David Alonso set off in pursuit of Pedro Acosta’s mate.

With four laps to go, Holgado found a way past Escrig. The rider set to make his MotoGP debut next year then pulled away – he crossed the finish line 2.265 seconds ahead of Ivan Ortola, who had just pipped Escrig to the line.

Holgado rode a clever race

Holgado secured his second win of the season in Doha – following his triumph at the Brazilian Grand Prix in March. “An incredible race – it was fantastic and great fun,” said a delighted Holgado. “I managed the tyre wear well. Escrig really put the pressure on – I was surprised by that, because I know what front-tyre wear is like here. I thought to myself: ‘Stay calm, Dani, you’ve got the pace.’ In the last seven laps, I gave it 100 per cent. I’m very happy with my performance.”

Holgado felt right at home on his Kalex – he was quick all weekend. “I pushed my bike right to the limit,” smiled the Spaniard. “I’d like to thank the team; the bike was fantastic on Sunday – it was the best bike of the year. It was also very good on Saturday and Friday. I’m over the moon.”

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MotoGP World Championship

20.11.2026 - 09:55

In the World Championship standings, Daniel Holgado is in 4th place following his victory in Qatar. He is just 4.5 points behind third-placed Ivan Ortola.