In a surprising turn of events in the Moto2 paddock at the Red Bull Ring, Adrian Huertas has been confirmed to ride for Forward Factory Team starting in 2027, taking the seat vacated by Alex Escrig. The Italian outfit made the announcement on Sunday morning, just a day after Italtrans Racing Team revealed they would not retain Huertas beyond this season.
Italtrans's Countermove
Italtrans's decision to drop Huertas after two seasons together certainly raised eyebrows. The Italian team opted for Alex Escrig as Daniel Munoz's teammate for 2027. Escrig himself had spent four seasons with Forward Racing, and now finds himself seeking new opportunities. Huertas, meanwhile, took the opposite path: from Italtrans to Forward, a transfer that feels ironic yet calculated.
Aragon Test Paves the Way
Although officially announced this weekend, the deal between Huertas and Forward was actually forged weeks earlier. The Spanish rider underwent a private test at MotorLand Aragon, where he familiarized himself with the technical staff and the team's working methods. According to Forward, the adaptation process went smoothly and formed a solid foundation for the contract now signed. The coming months will be used for intensive preparation ahead of the 2027 season.
Huertas's Track Record
Huertas may be young, but his experience is not to be underestimated. Before stepping into the Grand Prix paddock, he made a name for himself in the World Supersport championship. In 2026, he is contesting his second season in the Moto2 class. This combination of talent and experience is what convinced Forward Factory Team to sign him as one of their two main riders.
Second Seat Still a Mystery
Who will partner Huertas at Forward Factory Team next season remains a puzzle. Tony Arbolino's name is strongly linked to the seat, but when met at the Red Bull Ring, the Italian rider stated he has not signed any contract, including with Forward. Another candidate mentioned is Jose Antonio Rueda, currently teammate to Collin Veijer at Red Bull KTM Ajo. Rueda's future at the team is in question, especially with rumors that Red Bull KTM Ajo wants to promote Brian Uriarte from Moto3 to Moto2. If Uriarte moves up, his Moto3 seat is reportedly set to be filled by Rico Salmela, the Finnish rider currently with Red Bull KTM Tech3.
Impact on Moto2 Power Dynamics
Huertas's move to Forward could be a turning point in his career. At Italtrans, he showed speed but lacked consistency. Forward Factory Team, known for its solid technical structure, might provide a more conducive environment. For Italtrans, signing Escrig is a new gamble; they hope the Escrig-Munoz pairing will bring fresh momentum. Meanwhile, the Moto2 rider market will remain dynamic until the season's end, with several big names yet to decide their futures.
Preparations for 2027
With this announcement, Forward Factory Team has at least secured one seat for 2027. Huertas will begin training and adapting to his new bike and team in the coming months. As fans await the identity of his teammate, one thing is certain: Huertas is ready to prove that his move is not just a change of scenery, but a step forward towards peak performance.
Baca Juga
Filip Salac raih pole position Moto2 Austria 2026 di Spielberg, pole pertamanya sejak GP Portugal 2023. Gonzalez dan Escrig melengkapi barisan depan.
Filip Salac rebut pole Moto2 Austria di Red Bull Ring. Barry Baltus start ke-8, Zonta van den Goorbergh ke-16. Simak hasil lengkap kualifikasi.
Tony Arbolino tercepat di FP2 Moto2 Austria setelah beralih ke ban slick, sementara Zonta van den Goorbergh finis kesebelas dan Collin Veijer absen karena cedera.
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