Dani Holgado isn’t having an easy season. Luck has slipped away in the last two races and the young rider from San Vicente del Raspeig has seen his early lead in Moto3 shrink as the title chase tightens.
Indonesia’s race left him 14th after a penalty for stepping onto the grass, a decision that cost him precious points. And in Japan, a cautious finish left him in thirteenth as strong winds affected the grid formation and the day’s rhythm. Holgado arrived at the pits with a cut above his eye and blood staining his gear, his bike in need of a rapid repair to stay competitive for the next session.
Holgado was photographed arriving at the pits with a bloodied face during the Japanese GP.
The Alicante native, riding for KTM, holds third place in the standings with 195 points. He is chasing Valencian rival Jaume Masià, who has surged to the top with 217 points, while Ayumu Sasaki sits close behind on 213. David Alonso and Deniz Öncü are both on 180, with Iván Ortolá at 152 as the race toward the crown continues. The title still feels within reach for several pilots, each eager to capitalize on the remaining rounds.
Holgado remains determined to spark a late surge across the remaining four races. The Thai Grand Prix is set to unfold at the Chang International Circuit next weekend. The World Motorcycle Championship schedule then takes the action to Sepang in Malaysia from November 10 to 12, followed by Losail in Qatar from November 17 to 19, and finally the Valencia Grand Prix at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Cheste from November 24 to 26.
With the gaps not insurmountable, the challenge is clear. Holgado trails Masià by 22 points, but the maximum available points across a weekend remain substantial. A victory nets 25 points, a second place 20, and every race result matters. The Spaniard is aware that margins are slim, yet the resolve remains strong, driven by the support of family and friends who believe a championship dream can still become a reality as the season heads toward its climax.
A thoughtful moment captured during the Japanese round shows Holgado deep in concentration as he weighs the next move.
After a string of misfortunes, Holgado asserts that if there are mathematical possibilities to crown the champion, he will chase them. He emphasizes that enjoying the ride and staying focused on the bike will naturally bring results, a sentiment he shared ahead of the weekend in Thailand as the team prepares for another test of speed and endurance.
Dani Holgado: “I realized my dream since childhood and now I want to become a world champion”
Renewal with KTM
Regardless of what happens in the season’s final chapters, Holgado’s future remains secured. He will embark on his third season in the World Championship, continuing as an official KTM RC4 rider in Red Bull KTM Tech3 colors, with the possibility of Australian teammate Jacob Roulstone joining the squad.
The Alicante rider made his World Championship debut in 2022 after recovering from an injury that had interrupted his pre-season plans. This year has seen him put together a run of strong results, including three wins and multiple podium finishes, underscoring his growing pace and consistency in Moto3.
“I’m very happy to stay with Red Bull KTM Tech3 for another season. This team feels like a family, and that bond matters a lot,” Holgado said after the renewal. “I’m still young, and I’ll need another year in Moto3 to keep growing. This is the right decision for my development and my career, and I’m excited for 2024.”
Moto-3 World Class
1 Jaume Masià (ESP) Honda 217 points
2 Ayumu Sasaki (JAP) Husqvarna 213 points
3 Dani Holgado (ESP) KTM 195 points
4 David Alonso (COL) GASGAS 180 points
5 Deniz Öncü (TUR) KTM 180 points
6 Iván Ortolá (ESP) KTM 152 points
Upcoming Races
27-29 October GP Thailand Chang
10-12 November Malaysian GP Sepang
17-19 November GP Qatar Losail
24-26 November Valencia GP Ricardo Tormo