Manuel Gonzalez: Being the best isn’t enough for a MotoGP or SBK deal

Moto2 World Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez is facing an unprecedented period of uncertainty. Over the past few months, all his chances of a MotoGP ride for 2027 have vanished into thin air, most recently at Tech3 KTM, where his current Intact team-mate Senna Agius has been given the nod.

In mid-July, it looked as though the talented Spaniard would be moving to the World Superbike Championship, with the factory teams of BMW and Ducati showing great interest. But it is now clear that the German manufacturer will reach an agreement with long-serving MotoGP rider Brad Binder from South Africa, whilst at Ducati, all signs point to Franco Morbidelli as the successor to Nicolo Bulega.

No definitive rejections yet

Gonzalez has not yet received a definitive rejection from either manufacturer, but his manager, Eddy Rovelli, has been informed of his protégé’s prospects. Since then, he has resumed intensive talks with Manu’s current team, Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP, which emphasised from the outset that Gonzalez would be their first choice should a contract in the MotoGP or World Superbike Championships not materialise. After all, the Madrid-born rider has now secured 9 wins, 23 podium finishes and 9 pole positions in Moto2.

When SPEEDWEEK.com held this one-on-one conversation with Gonzalez – the second part of the in-depth interview during the summer break – the 23-year-old gave an unusual impression: although he is the championship leader, he finds himself in a holding pattern regarding his future. He avoided sensationalist headlines and refuses to play the victim when it comes to his complicated situation.

Yet, reading between the lines, the current top Moto2 rider made a few things very clear: he believes his performances warrant a chance in MotoGP. Having secured bronze in the 2024 World Championship and silver last year, he is well on his way to the title. Gonzalez is clinging to the faint hope that no contracts will be signed before next week and that the tide might yet turn in his favour.

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18.09.2026 - 08:55

Manu, what’s the story behind a possible contract extension with Intact GP in Moto2? There are options. Jürgen Lingg always jokes to me that he’d put me in handcuffs to stop me leaving the team. We have several possibilities on the table, but no decision has been made yet.

Is MotoGP still a real possibility? Yes. Nothing has been decided yet. We’re still waiting to see how things develop.

And the Superbike World Championship? That’s also a very interesting option. After all, that’s the paddock that got me into the World Championship. And if I had to go back, I’d be just as motivated. The most important thing for me is to race at the highest level.

I get the impression that you’re looking to the future with much greater calm now. Yes. I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. Ultimately, I’m lucky enough to be doing what I enjoy most, which is racing motorbikes. Wherever I end up next year, I’ll be lining up on the grid with the same mindset: trying to win races and continuing to show what I’m capable of.

Of course, the financial aspect plays a part too. If a great offer came along, could that influence your decision? It does play a part, because we’re professionals, but at the moment that’s not my priority. I’m at a stage in my career where I need to find the best environment and the best motorbike to help me develop as a rider.

Would you prefer a successful project, even if it means earning less money? Exactly. The time to focus more on the financial side of things will come in due course. Right now, I need to keep proving my calibre, winning races and developing as a rider. That’s the most important thing.

If you had the choice: would MotoGP still be your priority? Yes, of course. That’s the goal I’ve been working towards my whole life. But I’m also aware that if it doesn’t work out, I’ll continue to give 100 per cent wherever I am – be it in the Moto2 or Superbike World Championships. My riding style won’t change.

Seen from the outside, it looks as though the whole thing is dragging on. Yes , much longer than we’d expected. At the same time, some very interesting opportunities have arisen in both the Moto2 and Superbike World Championships, so we’ll just have to wait and see.

Were there any discussions about a possible contract during your MotoGP test with Aprilia? No. We never spoke directly about signing a contract. However, I do believe they were considering various scenarios, as it was still unclear at that point what would happen with Jorge Martin.

Did you see this test as more than just a simple test? It’s inevitable to think about it. After all, it was strange that they called up a Moto2 rider who isn’t part of any of their teams. They never told us anything, but it seemed as though they wanted to gather information, just in case they needed to take action.

If you look at the Moto2 standings, riders like Izan Guevara, David Alonso, Dani Holgado and Senna Agius are behind you. Do you feel that, based on your results, you should already have secured a place in MotoGP? If you just look at the numbers, probably so. But MotoGP works differently; it’s not just the results that count.

What else plays a part? Lots of things. Every rider has a different background; they’ve ridden different bikes, been in different teams and competed under completely different circumstances. You can’t just compare a league table. You have to analyse what each rider has achieved with the resources available to them.

Do you think the teams carry out such a thorough analysis? To be honest, I don’t think they often have the time for it, nor do they see the need.

There’s a lot of talk about nationality in MotoGP. Can nationality have an influence? It can be a plus or a minus. It’s clear that a rider can offer added value depending on the market they represent.

When do you expect to make a final decision about your future? It should be decided before Silverstone (7–9 August – the author). By this weekend at the latest.

Can you see the end of the process? Yes . My manager tells me it’ll take a bit longer, but you can tell the market is slowly starting to move. The pieces of the jigsaw are beginning to fall into place.