The tension between David Alonso and Dani Holgado has escalated before the two current Aspar Moto2 team-mates move into MotoGP. Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island, Alonso described Holgado as “not a good person” and said there was no longer a relationship or chemistry between them inside the team.

The latest exchange follows their collision at the Indonesian Grand Prix. The riders came together at Turn 1 on the opening lap, with Holgado triggering a highside for Alonso. Holgado later apologised and accepted full responsibility, explaining that he braked and suddenly found himself alongside Alonso before both riders went down. Alonso, however, made clear that he viewed the crash as only one part of a longer rivalry that began in the junior categories and continued into grand prix racing.

Two incompatible readings of the relationship

Alonso said the incident itself was “the least of it”, describing it as a normal risk of racing and pointing instead to “a lot more going on behind the scenes”. He added that he would go his own way and that Holgado would do the same, arguing that time should not be wasted on people who are not worth it.

Holgado presented a very different picture. He said he respects every rival because they risk their lives whenever they go onto the track, and suggested that Alonso’s remarks were made in the heat of the moment. Holgado maintained that their relationship remained good, that he could greet Alonso without any problem and that, from his perspective, nothing had changed within the team.

Different garages in MotoGP

The disagreement comes as the pair prepare for separate MotoGP careers. Alonso is set to join LCR Honda alongside Johann Zarco, while Holgado will move to Gresini Ducati with Joan Mir as his team-mate.

Alonso had initially been due to move to Honda’s factory team after signing with HRC, but Diogo Moreira’s promotion changed that plan. He now considers LCR the best option for his debut in the premier class, where he expects the first season to bring a large amount of work. Alonso described the team as professional but also familial, saying that this combination could provide the new environment he needs. He also views Zarco’s experience as a useful counterpoint to his own enthusiasm.

Their next season in different MotoGP garages will therefore add another layer to a rivalry that has already followed them from junior racing into the world championship. Whether the current disagreement remains within their Moto2 chapter or affects their dealings as premier-class competitors will become clear only once they share the grid.