The reigning Moto3 World Champion explains how he is approaching his debut in the intermediate class after a short pre-season marked by an injury in his right hand.

Jose Antonio Rueda moves up to Moto2 in 2026 as the reigning Moto3 World Champion, after having achieved an excellent 2025, one of the best in the category in recent memory. However, an injury suffered at the Malaysian Grand Prix last year meant his pre-season has focused on recovering 100% to face 2026 with confidence. Now, after his first two days of testing on the Moto2 bike, he travels to Thailand, to start a challenging journey in one of the most ever demanding and competitive classes.

You are leaving a class where last year you achieved 10 victories, 14 podiums, 6 Pole Positions, 5 fastest laps, an individual title, a team title and the highest points total in the history of Moto3. How are you working on the mental aspect, with expectations so high for you?

We’re handling it well. Considering that this is the biggest jump up in quality of the three classes, both in terms of power and bike weight, I’m clear that I’ll have to adapt well and that this will take time. Currently, there’s a lot of experienced riders in this class, so we’ll have to gradually build the project and take firm steps to stay on course.

Last year was a constant rollercoaster of emotions in which you experienced everything. Do you think you are more mature today than a year ago?

Absolutely. I’m one of those people who believes you’re always learning new things and constantly evolving, so you mature no matter what. I always try to learn as much as possible, both professionally and personally, and I’m going to continue doing so because it’s my way of working and I believe it’s the best way to find that better version of yourself that’s always yet to come.

Do you think this maturity can help you experience less frustration during the process of adapting to Moto2?

I think so. The experience of these three years in Moto3 has helped me understand many things about this world. Winning the 2025 title, no matter how good a year I had, wasn’t easy at all. I had to go through a learning process, understand tough situations, manage my emotions, and be aware that everything happens for a reason. I think I have the tools to do well, but I’m also aware that every year is different and that each step I take is more difficult than the last. This maturity will be essential to succeeding in Moto2.

Your start in Moto2 is unusual: you arrive as the Moto3 World Champion, but at the same time with a disadvantage compared to the other rookie riders. How are you going to approach the opening races after limited preseason training?

I’ll have to treat the first few races as a learning experience and as a foundation to start building upon. It’s very important to be able to improve during the rest of the year, since this is a marathon, not a sprint, and I need a good base to find my style and my way of working throughout my rookie season. Obviously, I also need time to adapt to the Moto2 riding style, which is very different from what I’ve encountered so far in Moto3. Without a doubt, the preseason in Jerez has been very beneficial for me, allowing me to approach the start of this season with a bit more confidence and composure, but we still have a lot to do.

What goals have you set for yourself this year?

I’m always one of those who prefers not to set too many goals. This class is so difficult and always so close, that sometimes setting too many goals can backfire on you. It’s difficult to expect much from Moto2, where the competition is incredibly tight, and the experience level is much higher than in Moto3. It’s much more common to find riders with several seasons in this class under their belts than in Moto3, so they have a much bigger advantage compared to those of us who are new. It’s better not to set any goals, and whatever comes, will be a bonus.

At your side will be Collin, a good friend off track who was in your place last year.  How do you think he can help you to make your adjustment a little easier?

I think the good thing about Collin and me is that we both, more or less, have the same riding style, so I think that will help me a lot. He’ll be able to guide me well so I can keep improving. He also had a somewhat long learning process at the beginning of his first season, so I hope he can give me some tips for Moto2. Despite struggling more than expected at the start, he managed to turn things around very well and finish the season very competitively. He’s now become one of the top riders, so it’s great to have him next to me in the garage.

Last year, we saw you always working alone with authority and speed in a category where it is difficult to make a difference. What aspect do you think you’ll have to change the most about your style and your way of working with a Moto2 bike?

My riding technique, more than anything else. Last year I worked very well riding by myself, and I think that’s going to be the first thing we need to keep in mind in Moto2, since I have to learn to maintain my pace on my own, without depending on anyone else. It’s a bit of a double-edged sword, because once we achieve that, I’ll be a much better rider, but until then, there will be some tough times. We have to get very used to riding this bike, and that will take time.

I think we have a little advantage because my approach in Moto3 was very positive, but this bike weighs more, has much more power, and that forces you to change your riding style. The racing lines are nothing like those in Moto3, so I have to change a lot of habits to learn a completely different way of racing and working. If we stay focused on what needs to be done, without trying to rush things, I’m sure we’ll end up really enjoying the experience.

However, Rueda is conscious of his starting point and that his situation is not the same as that of the other rookie riders, so he is clear that his pre-season will continue with the first races of the year. The #99 turned #98 is ready and motivated for this new chapter, where he will contest his fourth season with Red Bull KTM Ajo, his first in Moto2. The first step will be this weekend (February 27th – March 1^st), at the Thai GP in Buriram.