P1racenews AI automatic summary:
One Moto2 title hopeful will miss MotoGP in 2026 – but that’s not a bad thing
Moto2 championship leader Manu Gonzalez has decided to stay in the series for the 2026 season, passing on a potential MotoGP opportunity; however, Johann Zarco sees the positives in this decision. Pramac Yamaha postponed their decision on the second rider alongside Toprak Razgatlioglu, with Manu Gonzalez’s name in the mix, but ultimately signed Jack Miller, leading Gonzalez to extend his contract with IntactGP for another year in Moto2. Despite Spain’s history of producing premier class riders, the competition has made it challenging for young talents to make the leap. Sergio Garcia faced a similar dilemma last year, missing out on a MotoGP move, which impacted his performance in Moto2, resulting in him losing his ride midway through the season. Manu Gonzalez, currently leading the Moto2 standings with a 39-point advantage over Diogo Moreira, may defend his title next year, potentially becoming the first Moto2 champion since Johann Zarco not to progress to MotoGP immediately. Zarco, the double MotoGP race winner, acknowledges the tough situation Gonzalez is in, emphasizing the benefits of spending another year in Moto2 to improve personally and grow as a stronger competitor, drawing from his own experience before moving up to MotoGP.
