Manuel Gonzalez is now facing a possibility that once seemed less likely: remaining in Moto2 and attempting to defend his championship. The Spaniard leads Izan Guevara by 35.5 points, with the season entering its final seven rounds.

Gonzalez has not secured a MotoGP seat for 2027, unlike Izan Guevara, David Alonso, Intact GP team-mate Senna Agius and Dani Holgado, who have been better placed in that contest. WorldSBK therefore stands as his main alternative. Intact GP team manager Jürgen Lingg has said that an Agius move to MotoGP could create a Superbike opening for Gonzalez. If that does not happen, the team would be happy to keep him, provided a genuinely competitive seat is available.

Gonzalez’s own position suggests that staying in Moto2 would be more than a fallback. He describes Intact GP as the best environment for him, says he is very happy there, and points to the enjoyment of racing and winning with the team. At the same time, he considers himself ready for MotoGP and wants to show that he can be a leading rider in the premier class. For now, his approach is to make the most of the present and continue giving his maximum until the opportunity arrives.

A rare chance in Moto2

Should Gonzalez win this year’s championship, he would become only the third Moto2 champion to return and attempt a title defence. The two previous cases are Tito Rabat and Johann Zarco. Rabat won the 2014 championship before finishing third the following season. Zarco successfully retained his crown in 2016 and remains Moto2’s only double champion.

Their later careers also show that remaining in Moto2 does not necessarily close the route to the premier class. Rabat went on to spend five years in MotoGP with Honda and Ducati, while Zarco has won races in the top category with both Ducati and Honda. For Gonzalez, another season with Intact GP could therefore combine an immediate pursuit of a rare record with the longer-term goal of reaching MotoGP.