Could an 18-year-old become a seasoned World Championship rider? It might sound far-fetched, but in motorcycle racing, ambition often outruns age. The 2024 season is set to begin with Daniel Holgado from San Vicente del Raspeig as a major title contender in his third Moto3 campaign.
Dani Holgado: “I’ve chased this dream since childhood, and now I aim to clinch the world title”
Holgado, hailing from Alicante, paused a Moto2 move to chase unfinished business in Moto3. He started the season strong, opening with three podiums and three early wins in Portugal, France, and Italy, while earning podiums in Germany, Great Britain, and Austria. As the field intensified, Holgado held his ground, finishing fifth in the world standings with 220 points. He came up short against champions and rivals Jaume Masià, Ayumu Sasaki, David Alonso, and Deniz Öncu, but the late stretch of the season didn’t dampen his resolve.
With the slate wiped clean, Holgado heads into a new chapter as a leading championship challenger. Notably, three of his 2023 rivals, Masià, Sasaki, and Öncu, have moved up to Moto2, while Colombian talent Alonso joins the scene, injecting fresh competition. Holgado’s chances are boosted by a competitive bike and his own proven qualities, making the title feel within reach.
First on the board in testing
Initial impressions of the new machinery were highly encouraging. In Valencia, after the 2023 season, Holgado emerged as the quickest replacement rider, shaving nearly a second off the track record at the Ricardo Tormo circuit.
Holgado completed two of the planned three test sessions, racking up 36 laps at the track. He described the day as very productive: the new KTM chassis and Pirelli tires delivered impressive grip, and the team’s collaboration contributed to a notably fast pace. He emphasized that the pre-season mood was positive and that rest would follow a demanding year.
Holgado’s post-session reflection highlighted satisfaction with the setup and a strong sense of momentum as winter testing wrapped up. The team’s focus shifted to preparation for a competitive year ahead, with a clear aim of translating testing success into race results.
During the Valencia testing, the image of Holgado on track underscored a confident mood within the Tech3 squad as the season approached.
After a well-deserved break for the entire grid, the calendar points toward a late-February test at Portimao in Portugal. There, fans will see whether the early positivity around the 2024 KTM project holds as the season nears launch.
In a few weeks, the opening round returns to Qatar on March 10. The calendar now includes 22 races, two more than last year, with four events hosted in Spain: Jerez, Montmeló, Alcañiz, and Valencia. The final Grand Prix in Valencia will again close the campaign.
A rising name in the sport
Holgado first appeared in the World Cup in June 2021, earning a points finish in Catalonia and receiving invitations to two more races that same year. His solid work in the junior categories earned him a full-time ride in 2022, where he ended tenth overall and earned his first podium in Aragon. The 2023 season marked a leap forward with victories, leadership, and growing status among the title contenders.
Looking ahead, Holgado’s goal is to join the ranks of motorcycle legends from the region. Nico Terol, an Alcoy native, became world champion in the 125cc class in 2011 and remains a benchmark for riders from Alicante. For Holgado, reaching the podium at the highest level in 2024 would be a defining moment in his career trajectory, aligning him with the province’s proud racing tradition. This season could be the moment he seizes the next step and writes his name into the annals of Spanish motorcycling greatness.