The 21-year-old Diogo Moreira rider is closing in on a possible MotoGP debut in 2026, with advanced negotiations underway with the LCR Honda and Pramac Yamaha teams. The imminent transition to the main category of world motorcycling marks a significant moment, and could represent the return of a country’s competitor to the motorcycle elite after the last participation of Alex Barros in 2007.
Currently second in Moto2, 35 points behind the main competitor Manuel Gonzalez, the São Paulo native has consolidated his position as a promising talent. Sua victory in Grande Prêmio of Áustria, which took place on August 17, 2025, boosted discussions about its future. The expectation is that an official announcement will be made during the Grande Prêmio of the Hungria, on the Balaton Park circuit, scheduled between August 22nd and 24th, providing for a long-term contract.
The Honda proposal, in particular, stands out for offering Moreira factory pilot status, which represents a significant differentiator. The rise of Moreira in Moto2 has been remarkable, with a performance that has caught the attention of the main manufacturers.
Negotiations with motorcycling giants
Honda emerges as the main interested party in hiring Diogo Moreira, presenting a proposal that includes a three-year contract. The Japanese manufacturer’s plan foresees that 2026 will be a year of adaptation in the LCR Honda, with a possible change to the factory team in 2027. Honda’s strategy focuses on preparing Moreira for the new technical regulations, which will involve reducing the engine capacity of the motorcycles to 850cc.
In return, Yamaha offered a place on Pramac, its satellite team, to compete alongside Toprak Razgatlioglu, two-time champion of Mundial and Superbike. Although Embora’s initial proposal, also lasting three years, was considered strong, Honda’s offensive changed the panorama of negotiations. The relationship between Moreira and Yamaha, which already supplies training bikes such as the YZF-R1, is a positive point, but the lack of a guaranteed place in the main team could be a limiting factor for the Japanese brand.
The impact of possible hiring
The eventual arrival of Moreira in MotoGP should cause changes to the category’s grid. In the LCR Honda, the hiring of the young driver would imply the departure of The Thai’s departure would also signal the end of sponsorship by Idemitsu, which has traditionally supported Asian drivers, especially Japanese, in the Lucio Cecchinello team.
This change in LCR Honda highlights a new approach by the team, which is now looking for global talent to reinforce its presence in the main category. Moreira’s decision will therefore not only shape his own career, but also influence sponsorship dynamics and team composition.
The upward trajectory of Moreira
Diogo Moreira, originally from Guarulhos, began his journey on the Mundial of In 2023, he took victory in Grande Prêmio from Indonésia and reached the podium in Barcelona, demonstrating his potential. In 2024, already in Moto2 with the Italtrans team, the rider faced challenges, including an accident in Sachsenring and a penalty in Brno. Contudo, his recovery in 2025 was marked by consistent performances.
The victory in Red Bull Ring, where he led most of the race, highlighted his speed and maturity on the track. Moreira, however, emphasizes that his performance is the main factor in his rise. “If I move up to MotoGP, it will be because I am performing well, not because of the flag”, he declared after the Áustria GP, reinforcing his focus on performance and a clear plan to adapt to the main category before the technical changes in 2027.
Team strategies and the new regulations
The choice of Moreira aligns with different strategies of Honda and Yamaha for the future of MotoGP. Honda, despite facing challenges with the RC213V, demonstrates a strong investment in young talents as part of a plan to regain competitiveness. The factory team already has Joan Mir confirmed until 2026, while Johann Zarco is in negotiations to renew with LCR. The inclusion of Moreira reinforces HRC’s long-term project, which sees him as a rider capable of adapting to the new 850cc bikes.
Yamaha, in turn, seeks to renew its grid with promising names. Pramac, with Razgatlioglu already guaranteed, would represent a competitive environment for Moreira, but the lack of an immediate guarantee of a place in the main team could reduce the attractiveness of the proposal. The Japanese brand is also under pressure to improve the performance of its bikes, which showed below-expected results in the Red Bull Ring in 2025.
The return of MotoGP to South American territory
The return of MotoGP to South American territory in 2026, with Goiânia as a possible venue, represents a promotional factor of great importance for the sport. The last edition of the country’s Grande Prêmio took place in 2004, at Rio of Janeiro, and the return to the international calendar rekindles interest in motorcycling in the region. Moreira, as the country’s only competitive driver in the grassroots categories, has the potential to become a local icon, attracting fans and sponsors. Dorna, organizer of the championship, sees the driver as an opportunity to engage the public, but Moreira remains focused on his performance on the track.
The 2025 Moto2 season continues to be decisive for the rider. With the aim of winning the title, he plans to maintain the pace in the next races, including the Hungria GP. The possibility of testing a MotoGP bike at the end of the year could accelerate its preparation for the 2026 season.
Current scenario of the main category
MotoGP is going through a period of transition and intense competitiveness. Ducati maintains its dominance on the grid, with Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Márquez secured until 2026. Aprilia, in turn, has Jorge Martin and other drivers under long-term contracts. KTM, with Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta, also has its formation confirmed until 2026, although it faces financial uncertainties for the year 2027.
The switch to 850cc bikes in 2027 will require significant adaptation by riders and teams. Honda, with vast financial resources, invests in a long-term project with Moreira, aiming to prepare for this new era. Enquanto this, Yamaha seeks a balance with Razgatlioglu and possible contract renewals. The rider, with his speed and consistency, arrives at a crucial moment for high-performance motorcycling.
Expectations for the long-awaited debut
The potential debut of Diogo Moreira in MotoGP represents a milestone for motorcycling. Após almost two decades without a representative in the main category, the 21-year-old hopes to revive the legacy left by Alex Barros. Sua speed, demonstrated in Moto2, and the search for a long-term contract demonstrate professional maturity. The final decision between Honda and Yamaha will not only define their trajectory, but will also influence the future of Japanese teams in the category.
The next few weeks will be decisive. With meetings scheduled with his agent, Diego Silvente, until September, Moreira evaluates the proposals carefully. The opportunity to test a MotoGP bike at the end of the season can provide an advantage in preparation. Enquanto that, he remains focused on Moto2, looking for more podiums and the championship title.
