Diogo Moreira confirmed in MotoGP with Honda LCR and ends Brazil’s two-decade absence Por Thiago Lemos
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Diogo Moreira, a 21-year-old rider from São Paulo, signed a multi-year contract with Honda Racing Corporation to compete in MotoGP starting in 2026. He will join the Honda LCR team, alongside French rider Johann Zarco, under the leadership of Lucio Cecchinello. The announcement was made on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in São Paulo, marking Brazil’s return to the top class of world motorcycling after 19 years without a representative.
Moreira advances to the elite after standing out in Moto2, where he is contending for the title this season, just nine points behind leader Manuel Gonzalez. The promotion aims to bolster Honda’s project in developing young talents.
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The Brazilian’s career reflects steady progression in the lower categories of the World Championship.
- Debut in Moto3 in 2022, with one win, three podiums, and two poles in 39 races.
- Named Rookie of the Year in Moto2 in 2024, with a podium in the final round.
- In 2025, wins in Assen, Austria, and Indonesia, plus five more podiums, placing him as vice-leader.
Moreira’s path in feeder categories
Diogo Moreira’s rise began in motocross in Brazil, before moving to Spain in 2017 to hone his skills. In his Moto3 World Championship debut, the São Paulo native showed immediate speed, securing pole in Argentina and a win in Mugello. These results attracted attention from bigger teams.
Transitioning to Moto2, he adapted quickly to the increased power of the bikes, ending 2024 with the rookie award and now fighting for the championship.
Contract and Honda LCR team setup
The deal with Honda covers multiple years, with no exact duration disclosed. Moreira replaces Somkiat Chantra, who moves to the World Superbike Championship. LCR team boss Lucio Cecchinello highlighted the Brazilian’s talent in an official statement, emphasizing his passion and proven speed across various disciplines.
The team operates as Honda’s satellite outfit, with direct support from HRC, focusing on technical innovation for the RC213V bikes. This includes aerodynamic and electronic updates tested in 2025, aiming for immediate competitiveness for newcomers.
Brazilian history in MotoGP
Brazil has recorded five riders in the top class since the 1970s. Adu Celso Santos and Edmar Ferreira competed in the 70s, with Adu securing a win in the 350cc class in 1973.
Marco Greco raced between 1981 and 1986, participating in 21 GPs. Alexandre Barros dominated from 1990 to 2007, with 10 wins in 500cc/MotoGP, including GPs in Spain and Rio de Janeiro.
Statements and expectations for 2026
Diogo Moreira expressed gratitude for the opportunity in a release, citing learning and growth as initial priorities. Team boss Cecchinello reinforced confidence in the rider’s potential for strong results.
The debut is set for March 1, 2026, at the Thailand GP, with the second round at Goiânia’s Autódromo Internacional Ayrton Senna in Brazil shortly after.
Calendar and initial challenges
The 2026 World Championship features 21 rounds, starting in Asia and covering Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. Moreira will face experienced rivals on tracks like Mugello and Phillip Island, where he must adapt to MotoGP demands.
Pre-season testing in Jerez, Spain, in January will allow sessions with the RC213V. Honda plans dedicated integration sessions, focusing on personalized setup.
Highlights from current Moto2 season
In 2025 Moto2, Moreira has three wins and eight podiums in 15 races run by October. His consistency on wet tracks, like in Assen, underscores versatility. The title fight continues to Valencia in November, with key points in Aragón and Malaysia. These performances solidify his promotion, proving readiness for the elite.