Dani Holgado, a young rider from St. Vincent, is steadily climbing the ranks in the Moto3 World Championship. At the Austrian Grand Prix held on August 20, he secured his first pole position during last Sunday’s practice session. In Aragon, a high-speed circuit known for its demanding terrain, he climbed into the top positions for the first time after being crowned junior world champion the previous season, one of his early season goals in the world championship. The leaders in the standings remain Izan Guevara of Mallorca and Ayumi Sasaki from Japan, with Holgado sitting in third. At only 17, he is not resting on his laurels; with five races left in the World Championship—Japan, Thailand, Australia, Malaysia, and Valencia—he remains determined to battle for a victory.
It is a year of learning for the young pilot. Next season, his dream is to contend for the world title, backed by the experience gained this year.
Dani Holgado arrived in Japan yesterday, where information was gathered. He faced a challenging journey to the Land of the Rising Sun after a typhoon delayed his flight for several hours. Training is set to begin on Friday at the Motegi Circuit, where he hopes to tune his machine and once again be among the frontrunners.
Was the podium at the Aragon Grand Prix a surprise?
Holgado explains that this result had been on his radar in recent races. His best finish prior to then was fifth at Misano in Italy, a target he felt within reach.
With the first pole and the first podium secured, is the next aim to win one of the remaining races in the World Championship?
Holgado laughs softly and confirms that winning is the next step, though he notes that it will not be easy. His priority remains learning and enjoying the journey he is on.
How is the first year in Moto3 shaping up?
With each race, experience grows and confidence in riding increases. He is gradually becoming faster, safer, and more stable on the bike.
Does KTM respond to the challenge?
The team and Holgado are working hard to improve the bike, aiming to be competitive enough to contest victories.
Did expectations match the results?
Holgado anticipated a year of learning, but after winning the junior world championship last season, all eyes were on him as a rising talent. The team expected solid results, and they are achieving them.
How are the final five races planned?
The plan is simple: keep improving steadily and gain more experience. After securing his first pole and podium, the ambition to fight for victory remains strong.
In a year of competing primarily in the world stage, could a world title be in reach next season?
Next year marks his second season, and the goal is to minimize mistakes, start strong from the championship’s outset, stay ahead, and pursue the championship. It could be a landmark year, but staying grounded, continuing to learn, and working hard remains essential. The aim is to raise the level and let the results follow. The core objective is to learn and keep pushing.
Who were the riders he looked up to?
Holgado says he admired Dani Pedrosa as a kid and now looks up to Marc Márquez as he grows older.
Does he dream of becoming a world champion like them someday?
Holgado emphasizes his personal growth and steady improvement with each race. Every rider aspires to be world champion, and he hopes to compete at that level someday.
How does he handle the demands of a grueling season, traveling the world alone?
He handles it well. The team provides strong support, and his father accompanies him to all races, helping with gear preparation and sharing the experience on the road.
Adapting the journey across continents, Holgado remains focused on growth and performance, driven by a clear drive to advance in the Moto3 World Championship and to maximize every racing opportunity that comes his way.
Despite the demanding schedule, the young racer continues to push forward with a pragmatic mindset, keeping his feet on the ground while chasing higher goals and refining his craft with each race.
Holgado acknowledges that the path is challenging, yet he finds motivation in the progress made and the support around him. He continues to study track data, push the bike to new limits, and approach each event with renewed determination.
As the season unfolds, the emphasis remains on accumulating experience, building confidence, and sharpening skills that will propel him toward future victories and, potentially, a world championship run.