Colombian rider David Alonso turned a disqualified pole position and a last-row start into a fourth-place finish on Sunday, 29 March at the Americas Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.
The CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team rider delivered one of the most determined rides of the 2026 Moto2 season, and the performance has only added fuel to growing speculation about his MotoGP future.
A penalty that changed everything
Alonso clocked the fastest qualifying lap Saturday at 2:05.203, but officials penalized him for a tire pressure infringement and dropped him to 17th on the grid. Barry Baltus took pole with a 2:05.347.
Starting from the back, Alonso worked through the field over 10 laps. He finished fourth, behind winner Senna Agius, Celestino Vietti and Izan Guevara. The recovery showed the composure of a rider well beyond his years.
Where he stands in the championship
Alonso holds seventh place in the Moto2 standings with 24 points. Manuel Gonzalez leads the championship with 39.5 points. The gap is real, but the season is long, and Alonso’s pace at Austin confirmed he belongs among the title contenders. The next opportunity to cut into that deficit comes in April. 29 en Jerez de la Frontera.
He claimed the 2024 Moto3 world title with 14 victories in 20 races, becoming the first Colombian rider to win a world championship in motorcycle racing. His first full Moto2 season in 2025 brought one win, five podiums and a ninth-place finish overall.
The MotoGP rumors are gaining ground
Spanish journalist Mela Chercoles of AS reports that Honda is targeting Alonso for a 2027 factory seat alongside Fabio Quartararo. Quartararo rides for Yamaha in 2026, but sources widely expect him to join HRC the following season. Neither camp has confirmed a deal.
According to AS, the main candidates for the second Honda seat are incumbent Joan Mir, Honda-contracted rookie Diogo Moreira and Alonso. The Colombian leads that shortlist, with Honda viewing him ahead of their current riders for the role.
No deal has been confirmed on any front, and Alonso’s own team did not respond to requests for comment on the reports.
A strong season could seal the deal
The speculation is not limited to Honda. Yamaha has also been mentioned as a possible destination, with Alonso among those in the mix for a seat alongside Jorge Martin, should that pairing materialize.
What is clear is that a strong 2026 Moto2 season would make the decision easy for any manufacturer. Winning the championship would almost certainly lock in a MotoGP ride for 2027.