Clear Path, Solid Plan: The New Road To MotoGP™ Program Prepares the Next Generation

In a thrilling announcement straight from the MotoGP paddock, the iconic Road to MotoGP™ program has gotten a fresh makeover. The new plan, launched on November 7, 2025, has a revamped structure that promises a clearer, more exciting path for the next generation of riders. Whether you're a kid dreaming of two wheels in a small town or a teen grinding in local races, this unified ladder from grassroots to glory is designed to spot talent anywhere on the planet. And for riders from Asia, especially us Filipinos, it's a massive boost, opening doors that were known to be extremely difficult.

A Quick Backstory: What is the Road to MotoGP?

The Road to MotoGP isn't just another racing series – it's a one-of-a-kind talent factory that's been scouting and nurturing young riders since the early 2010s. Born out of MotoGP's push to grow the sport beyond Europe, it started with initiatives like the Asia Talent Cup in 2011, giving equal bikes and fair shots to kids from emerging markets. Before this, breaking into the elite world of grand prix racing meant deep pockets or European connections. Now, it's about raw skill and grit.

• Why it matters: In a sport dominated by factory teams from Japan, Italy, and Spain, the program has produced stars like Thailand's Somkiat Chantra (now a Moto2 podium finisher) and Japan's Ai Ogura, who climbed from the Asia Talent Cup to challenging for MotoGP seats. It's leveled the playing field, turning local kart tracks into launchpads for global champs.
• Global impact: Over the years, it's hosted thousands of events in 20+ countries, emphasizing safety, equality, and fun to hook kids early. No wonder MotoGP's fanbase spans continents, this program ensures the track mirrors that diversity.

The New Look: A Crystal-Clear Path to the Podium

Gone are the scattered series; hello, a sleek pyramid that ties everything together. Riders climb step by step on standardized bikes, facing off in regional cups before hitting world finals. It's like a video game level-up system, but with roaring engines and real stakes. The 2025 FIM MotoMini World Final in Valencia kicks it off, with the full rollout hitting in 2026.

Here's the breakdown of the core tiers:

• MotoMini (Ages 10-14): The ultimate starter pack for tiny thrill-seekers. Race 160cc bikes (or 190cc for 12+) on safe kart tracks worldwide. Top national performers earn invites to the Valencia World Final – right before the MotoGP season closer. It's the first global series built for true grassroots equality, no fancy gear required.
• Moto4 (Ages 14+): Time to level up to bigger tracks and Honda NSF250R bikes – everyone rides the same machine for pure talent showdowns. Regional cups like:
  • Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup (our Asian hotspot!)
  • Momoven Moto4 European Cup
  • Moto4 Northern Cup
  • R&G Moto4 British Cup
  • Moto4 Latin Cup
    Winners feed straight into the next tier, spreading chances far and wide.
• MotoJunior (Ages 15+): The big leagues before the big leagues. This umbrella includes:
  • Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup (15+, racing in the MotoGP paddock across Europe – adrenaline overload!).
  • FIM Moto3 Junior World Championship (16+, headline act with Honda NSF250Rs).
  • Moto2 European Championship (a direct bridge to the Moto2 World Championship).
    It's your ticket to pro contracts and factory eyes.

The Full Pyramid at a Glance:

• Base: FIM MotoMini World Series → National series to World Final.
• Middle: Moto4 Regional Cups → Top performers advance.
• Top: MotoJunior (Rookies Cup + Moto3 Junior + Moto2 Euro) → Straight to Moto3/Moto2 World Championships, then MotoGP dreams.

Plus, from 2026: Extra perks for teams scouting "non-traditional" countries – think funding boosts to bring in fresh faces from Asia, Africa, and beyond.

Why This is HUGE – Especially for Asians and Filipino Racers

MotoGP's global fan frenzy demands a diverse grid, and this update delivers. It widens the talent pool, ensuring future champs hail from Manila streets, not just Milan garages. For Asia, where racing passion runs hot but infrastructure lags, it's revolutionary: The Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup (now Moto4 Asia) has been a pipeline since 2011, battling cultural hurdles like language barriers and funding woes. Riders get pro coaching, equal tech, and exposure to MotoGP stars, turning regional hopefuls into world-beaters.

For us Filipinos? It's personal. The Philippines has produced kart kings and superbike stars, but MotoGP felt like a distant dream, until now. This structure spotlights our talent in Asia-focused cups, with Valencia finals as the ultimate showcase. It's fueling national pride and inspiring kids in Cebu or Quezon City to grab a helmet. As one local racer put it, "It's not just a road; it's our highway to history."

Spotlight: Pinoy Pride, Alfonsi Daquigan's Road to Glory

Enter 16-year-old sensation Alfonsi Daquigan, the face of Filipino fire in the program. Hailing from the Philippines, Alfonsi exploded onto the scene in the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup (IATC), snagging back-to-back wins at Mandalika in October 2025, the first-ever victories for a Pinoy rider in the series! Locking down third overall that season, he even collected signatures from 2025 MotoGP legends on his helmet – talk about motivation!

• His journey: Started young in Philippine karts and superbikes, then leveled up to IATC in 2024. A mid-season hop to the European Talent Cup honed his edge before returning to dominate Asia.
• Why he inspires: Alfonsi's grit – racing against top talents from Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia, proves Filipinos belong at the top. He's gunning for 2026 IATC and beyond, carrying the tricolor toward that elusive first Pinoy MotoGP grid spot.
• Fun fact: Back home, he clinched the 2024 SSBK superbike title – a double-threat on local and global tracks.

Alfonsi joins trailblazers like Troy Alberto, who nearly cracked the big time via Asia Talent Cup in 2018. With this new format, expect more Pinoy podiums.

Voices from the Top

FIM President Jorge Viegas nailed it: "We're all about equal shots for every young rider, no matter where they're from. This structure will birth new champs from new nations – watch out, world!"

MotoGP's Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta added: "Proud doesn't cover it. This clear path grows our sport from the ground up, globally. It's gold for riders, teams, and fans everywhere."

The Finish Line? Just the Start

As the 2025 Valencia finale revs engines under the new MotoMini banner, the Road to MotoGP™ isn't ending stories – it's writing new ones. For Asian underdogs and Filipino firebrands like Alfonsi, it's fuel for the fire. Grab your leathers, kids: The road's wide open, and the checkered flag awaits. Who's next?