Although it is yet to be 100% confirmed, it looks as though Manuel Gonzalez will receive the opportunity to test an Aprilia bike with Trackhouse following the Grand Prix of Aragon.
The current Moto2 championship leader appears to be a player in the MotoGP rider market for 2026, and is getting nods from the premier class.
With the exception of two poor results, he has notched a podium at every race this season, including three victories. His lead at the top of the standings is only three points.
He’s hoping to go two further than the third he managed last year, but Aprilia have already taken notice of his performances. After four seasons in Moto2, it looks like he’s finally going to get a MotoGP opportunity.
Aprilia made a ‘mess’ with Jorge Martin’s contract and may need to find a replacement for his services. The Trackhouse team have two riders under contract, but may be flirting with replacing Raul Fernandez.
After promising progress recently, Aprilia can catch Ducati with further development. Having another talented rider in their ranks would help alongside reigning Moto2 champion and impressive rookie Ai Ogura.
Some MotoGP fans think Manuel Gonzalez doesn’t receive MotoGP test without Jorge Martin’s Aprilia woes
Some MotoGP fans have taken to social media to complain about Gonzalez, and don’t believe that he would have been given a test without Aprilia’s rider uncertainty for the future.
“We’re clear that this, which is never or almost never done, wouldn’t have happened without the Martín affair,” said one fan.
Another fan criticised him for not being the most exciting of choices, “Manu Gonzalez. As far as I know, he’s been dominating Moto2 this year. He came in third last year, he’s alright. I think he’s kinda boring, but he’s chill and good at motorcycles.”
However, some are a little more excited about Monday’s test after the Grand Prix of Aragon, which gives him a chance to show that he should be called upon for a MotoGP gig in 2026.
“Manu deserves it. He has made a real difference. He should be given a chance,” said one fan, who seemed to be in agreement with another Gonzalez admirer who wrote, “I like this news, I think Manu on the Aprilia is a great choice! Well done, Aprilia!”
And finally, two more fans emphasised how big an opportunity it’s going to be for him. It might be his only chance to prove that he is worthy of a promotion to the top tier.
“Well, it seems like a good opportunity for him. I think Raúl made a mistake by moving up so early with the KTM team without winning the Moto2 World Championship, and to be honest, he hasn’t had much success.”
“What a great opportunity.”
How had Manuel Gonzalez performed in Moto2 before the 2025 season?
Gonzalez’s first full-time Moto2 season on a Kalex bike in 2022 saw him finish 16th overall, with a best finish of fifth.
He was far more consistent the following year in 2023 and managed eighth in the standings with a best finish of second at the penultimate race in Qatar.
And finally, in 2024, he claimed his first victory at Japan and went on to finish third overall. His steady improvement shows that he consumes information well.
He’s a strong candidate to win it all this year, but he needs to remain consistent. Winning races in Moto2 is so difficult given how close the field is, but he has the experience to go all the way now.
