Manuel Gonzalez has dropped a strong hint that he will remain in Moto2 next season to defend his title, should he win the 2026 championship. The Intact GP rider currently leads the standings by 35.5 points over Izan Guevara with seven rounds remaining.
Gonzalez, who has missed out on a MotoGP seat for 2027, expressed his happiness with his current team. "Well, what I evaluate the most is that I am in the best place that I can be now," he said. "I'm super happy to be in this team, nothing can be better in my environment. We are happy, I'm enjoying riding, I'm winning races, so why search for something new?"
His comments come after Intact GP team manager Jurgen Lingg admitted last month that WorldSBK was Gonzalez's main alternative if he didn't secure a MotoGP ride. "If Senna moves to MotoGP, maybe Manu can go to Superbike. If not, we are very happy to continue with him," Lingg said. "I think he needs a really good Superbike seat. Otherwise, he will continue with us."
Should Gonzalez stay, he would become only the third rider in Moto2 history to return and defend his crown, joining Tito Rabat and Johann Zarco. Rabat, the 2014 champion, finished third the following season before eventually moving to MotoGP. Zarco successfully defended his title in 2016, becoming Moto2's only double champion to date.
For Gonzalez, staying in Moto2 doesn't mean giving up on his MotoGP dream. "Of course, I know that I'm ready for MotoGP, and I want to show there that I can also be a top guy there," he affirmed. "It's like maybe when you are searching so hard for something and you don't get it, just try to enjoy the moment, enjoy the present, and it will arrive sooner or later if you are giving your maximum."
With seven rounds left, Gonzalez's focus is on finishing the season with the title. If successful, he will etch his name in the Moto2 history books as a rider capable of defending his crown. Meanwhile, rivals such as Guevara, David Alonso, and teammate Senna Agius are still chasing points to derail his dominance.
Gonzalez's decision also benefits the Intact GP team, who can retain their key rider. Lingg previously stressed that the team would be very happy if Gonzalez stayed. With Gonzalez's strong performances this season, remaining in Moto2 could be a strategic move before eventually stepping up to the premier class.
One thing is clear: Gonzalez doesn't want to rush. He is enjoying the process and believes his MotoGP opportunity will come in time. For now, he is focused on the mission to defend his title, something only Rabat and Zarco have done before.
Baca Juga
Fabio Quartararo harus meninggalkan sponsor pribadinya, Monster Energy, karena Honda kembali bekerja sama dengan Red Bull untuk MotoGP 2027. Honda akan menanggung denda pemutusan kontrak.
KTM meremehkan keunggulan tes Nicolo Bulega dengan Ducati dan Pirelli untuk MotoGP 2027. Simak analisis dan strategi KTM di sini.
Maverick Vinales kembali ke MotoGP di Motegi setelah cedera panjang. Comeback ini bisa jadi yang terakhir, dengan tekanan dari KTM dan kritik Steiner.
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