HISTORIC: Alfonsi Daquigan Becomes First NAMSSA-ATC Rider Promoted to Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup
QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The "Road to MotoGP" just got shorter for the Philippines.
Dorna has officially confirmed that 16-year-old Filipino standout Alfonsi Daquigan will debut in the 2026 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. Daquigan, alongside 2025 Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup (ATC) Champion Ryota Ogiwara, has been selected for promotion following a breakout season where he finished third overall in the standings.
While the Philippines has seen talent at this level before, Daquigan’s entry is a landmark moment for the local racing structure.
Breaking the Ceiling: From NAMSSA to the World Stage
Daquigan becomes the first rider from the Philippine National Motorcycle Sports Safety Association (NAMSSA) to reach the Red Bull Rookies Cup via the Asia Talent Cup pathway.
While Alex Enriquez, an American of Filipino descent, raced a full season in the 2024 Rookies Cup, he secured his seat through the North America Talent Cup. Daquigan’s trajectory is unique as it represents the first successful "homegrown" pipeline transition from the Asian series directly into the premier feeder category for the Moto3 World Championship.
2025 Season Highlights: The "Mandalika Double"
Daquigan’s promotion is the result of a high-stakes 2025 campaign defined by grit and statistical consistency:
- The Mandalika Masterclass: Daquigan made history in Indonesia, securing a double win. In Race 1, he overcame two long-lap penalties to snatch his maiden victory. He followed it up with a dominant Race 2 win, consolidating his P3 rank in the championship.
- Consistency: Beyond the wins, Daquigan was a frequent podium threat, including a crucial rostrum finish at the Sepang finale.
- The Stats: Finishing 3rd overall in the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup, Daquigan proved he can compete head-to-head with the top-tier Japanese and Indonesian talent that typically dominates the series.
What This Means for Filipino Fans
For Southeast Asian racing fans, Daquigan’s presence on the 2026 grid means the Philippine flag will finally fly in the same paddock as the MotoGP World Championship. The Red Bull Rookies Cup is the proving ground that produced stars like Jorge Martin, Pedro Acosta, and Brad Binder.
By securing this seat, Daquigan is no longer just a "prospect"—he is officially in the final tier before the Grand Prix level.
Alfonsi is a student of the Daquigan racing family and Dashi Watanabe’s WRD
For Alfonsi Daquigan, the jump from the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup (ATC) to the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup isn't just a change in scenery, it’s a major technical shift.
While both series use 250cc single-cylinder prototypes, the machines are fundamentally different in philosophy, power, and handling. Here is the a breakdown of his 2025 ride versus his 2026 weapon.
Technical Comparison: Honda vs. KTM
| Feature | Honda NSF250R (ATC) | KTM RC 250 R (Rookies Cup) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Single | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Single |
| Frame | Aluminum Twin-Tube | Tubular Steel (Trellis) |
| Power Output | ~48 hp @ 13,000 rpm | ~50–55 hp @ 13,500 rpm |
| Dry Weight | ~84 kg | ~80.5 kg |
| Suspension | Showa (standard spec) | WP (Moto3 Spec) |
| Brakes | Nissin | Brembo / Galfer |
| Electronics | Standard HRC | Dell’Orto (Full Moto3 Spec) |
| Key Performance Differences |
- The Power-to-Weight Advantage
The KTM RC 250 R used in the Rookies Cup is essentially a "clone" of the factory Moto3 World Championship bike. It is roughly 4kg lighter and produces significantly more top-end power than the Honda NSF250R. In a class where every gram counts, a 4kg reduction combined with a ~10% power bump results in much more aggressive acceleration and higher top speeds. - Rigidity and Handling
- The Honda (ATC): Uses an aluminum twin-tube frame. It is known for being "forgiving" and stable, which is ideal for a developmental series like the ATC. It rewards smooth, calculated lines.
- The KTM (Rookies): Uses KTM’s signature steel trellis frame. It is notoriously rigid. While it offers incredible precision, it is much more physically demanding to ride and requires a more aggressive "point-and-shoot" style to maximize its potential.
- Suspension and Braking
In the ATC, riders use a controlled Showa setup. In the Rookies Cup, Alfonsi will move to WP Suspension and Brembo braking systems. These are the exact components found in the GP paddock. The Brembo units provide much more initial bite and "feel" under heavy braking, allowing for deeper trail braking into corners—a skill Alfonsi will need to master to stay at the front of the pack. - The "Incomparable" Feel
Pro riders who have transitioned between the two (like Scott Ogden) often describe the KTM as "feeling like a true race bike" compared to the Honda. The KTM's gearbox and engine braking management are more complex, requiring the rider to be much more precise with downshifts to prevent the rear wheel from hopping. - The Verdict for Daquigan
Alfonsi’s "Mandalika Double" showed he has the race craft to handle pressure. However, the Rookies Cup KTM is a more "uncompromising" machine. He won't just be fighting faster riders; he’ll be fighting a bike that demands a higher level of physical input and technical finesse.
2026 Red Bull Rookies Calendar:
