MotoGP is a cause for concern: what’s causing problems for Intact GP despite its huge success

It has been the most successful season to date since the launch of the Moto2 project: Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP has a lead of over 100 points in the team standings of the middle World Championship class over the next-best team, led by Jorge ‘Aspar’ Martinez. Thanks to the performances of championship leader Manuel Gonzalez and third-placed Senna Agius, the team from the Allgäu region has propelled itself into the spotlight. Part of this success is down to the well-coordinated team effort – as both riders and almost all crew members were already working harmoniously together last year.

A side effect of the run of success with both riders is that Gonzalez and Agius are also on the MotoGP recruitment list. Although this has been narrowed down to the Tech3 team during the summer break, both Intact riders held talks today with owner Günther Steiner and team manager Nicolas Goyon. It is considered certain that one of the two Moto2 riders will be awarded a ride on the KTM RC 16. However, should talks with the third candidate – the established MotoGP rider Luca Marini – break down, both youngsters could be promoted.

Satisfaction – but great tension with a view to 2027

For Intact GP team boss Jürgen Lingg, this creates a curious and also problematic situation with regard to 2027, involving a number of possible scenarios. In an interview with SPEEDWEEK.com, the successful team manager described the unusual situation: “Whilst we’re all very pleased with the sporting situation at the moment, there’s also a sense of tension. We’re all in limbo. Manu and Senna are both desperate to move up. They’re giving their all to perform well, yet at the same time they know they can’t afford to make any mistakes. There’s a positive side to this too – they’re pushing each other on, no question about it.”

2026: Nie hatte das Moto2-Team um Jürgen Lingg (re.) mehr zum feiern

Foto: Ronny Lekl

“But looking ahead, it’s difficult at the moment. One thing is certain: if Manu secures a MotoGP contract and Senna doesn’t, then Senna will ride for us again next year. In that case, we could fill the other spot with a rookie,” Lingg continued. However, the situation is more complex, as the Allgäu native emphasises: “If Manu doesn’t secure a contract in MotoGP, though, we don’t currently know whether we can plan with him again. At the same time, he’ll need to explore other options in the World Superbike Championship.”

He added: “If both riders were to leave the team, however, we’d have to fill both seats. Ideally with an established rider and a rookie. However, our hands are currently tied. It wouldn’t be right to talk to other top Moto2 riders at this stage. As long as no decision has been made regarding the future of our current riders, the places will be kept open for them too.”

Lingg reveals: “Unsurprisingly, several very big names have already been knocking on the door of the Intact lorry – but I have to keep them all waiting. This can’t go on forever, though, because at some point they’ll have to make up their minds too.”

Late decision in MotoGP has knock-on effects in Moto3

And let’s not forget: although Intact-GP has further top riders in the paddock as potential Moto2 promotions with the Moto3 squad led by Peter Öttl, the same principle applies here. If, for example, David Munoz moves up, a promising replacement will have to be found here too – and quickly. Furthermore, if Manuel Gonzalez and Senna Agius were to leave the 2027 squad together as another possibility, Lingg could, as a bold strategy, opt for both Moto3 riders – but would then be left with a complete void in the lower ranks.

In that scenario, excitement and frustration go hand in hand. Only once Tech3 has set its course for the premier class can the planning process at Moto2 level be set in motion again.