The LCR Honda team held the official presentation of its bikes for the 2026 MotoGP season on February 1st. The event highlighted the distinctive liveries for drivers Johann Zarco and Brazilian debutant Diogo Moreira. The revelation took place online and marked the beginning of the activities of the Honda satellite team.
Johann Zarco maintains the partnership with Castrol, displaying the traditional red, white and green colors with small updates. Já Diogo Moreira, Moto2 champion in 2025, debuts in the main category with the main sponsorship of Pro Honda, the Japanese automaker’s official oil brand. Essa change reflects adjustments to the team’s sponsorship structure.
Factory factory Honda, in turn, released its livery this Monday, February 2, in a separate online presentation. With this, all teams on the grid completed the livery reveals shortly before the official tests in Sepang.
Presentation of the satellite team
LCR Honda chose to maintain the format of divided paintings, a common practice among the team in recent years. Essa strategy allows to accommodate different main sponsors for each driver. The event was attended virtually by Zarco and Moreira, who commented on their expectations for the year.
Diogo Moreira expressed excitement about the new bike and the support of Pro Honda. The Brazilian highlighted the transition from Moto2 to the main category as an important step in his career.
Changes to the driver line-up
Johann Zarco remains at LCR after contract extension until 2027. The Frenchman demonstrated competitiveness in 2025, including victory in Grande Prêmio of Apesar of difficulties with bike upgrades in the second half of the year, he finished 12th in the general classification.
The arrival of Diogo Moreira replaces Thai Somkiat Chantra, who left the team due to below-expected results. Moreira, aged 21, won the Moto2 title last year and signed a multi-year contract directly with Honda Racing Corporation. Sua rapid promotion reflects the potential identified by the Japanese automaker.
The Brazilian has already participated in initial tests and reported good adaptation to the power of the RC213V. Ele chose number 11 for his bike at debut.
New sponsorship of Pro Honda
The entry of Pro Honda as main sponsor filled the vacancy left by Idemitsu Kosan. The Japanese company withdrew support following the departure of Chantra, with no immediate Asian replacement on the team. Pro Honda, the brand’s official line of lubricants, took the title of Moreira for the bike.
This partnership reinforces the Brazilian presence on the grid, with predominant colors that highlight the brand’s identity. The paintwork includes red and white tones characteristic of the Honda, with details unique to the Pro Honda.
The change represents a strategic investment by the automaker in young talent. Moreira gains additional support for its adaptation to MotoGP.
Traditional colors of Zarco
The Johann Zarco bike maintains the red, white and green base of the Castrol, with subtle adjustments in shades of black and blue. The Frenchman praised the familiarity of the paintwork, which makes identification easier on the tracks. Ele stated that the main objective is to seek more victories in the season.
Zarco competes in the last era of 1000cc motorcycles before regulatory changes scheduled for 2027. Sua experience should help in the development of the current RC213V.
Details of the paintings revealed
The two LCR bikes have clear differences to highlight the sponsors.
- The Zarco unit prioritizes intense red with green and white bands than the Castrol.
- Includes black details for greater contrast on the side fairings.
- The number 5 remains prominent on the front and sides.
Moreira’s livery adopts predominant red with Pro Honda logos in central positions.
- White elements complement the Honda’s classic design.
- Yellow neon details make it easy to identify the number 11.
- The configuration reflects the identity of the official oil line.
- It includes finishes that enhance the pilot’s Brazilian origins.
These choices continue LCR’s tradition of custom liveries.
Context of the 2026 season
The 2026 season marks an important transition in MotoGP, being the last with 1000cc engines before the reduction to 850cc. Honda faces the challenge of regaining competitiveness after difficult years. The LCR satellite team contributes valuable data to development.
Official testing on Sepang begins in the coming days, where the new liveries debut on the track. Zarco and Moreira actively participate in the sessions.
Pilot expectations
Johann Zarco seeks greater consistency throughout the year. The Frenchman highlighted the speed demonstrated in 2025 as a basis for progress. Ele outperformed factory team drivers on several occasions.
Diogo Moreira focuses on physical and technical adaptation to MotoGP. The Brazilian mentioned his impression with the acceleration and power of the bike. Sua initial goal is to accumulate experience and score regularly.
The combination of veteran and rookie balances LCR Honda. The team targets positions in the top 10 frequently.
LCR’s role on the grid
Lucio Cecchinello has led LCR since its foundation, maintaining a long partnership with Honda. The satellite structure allows flexibility in sponsorships and talent development. Nos In recent years, the team has revealed drivers as Cal Crutchlow and Alex Rins.
For 2026, the Zarco-Moreira duo represents a mix of experience and youth. Honda bets on this configuration to improve overall results.
The unveiling of the paintings attracted international attention, especially at Brasil with the debut of Moreira. Fãs closely monitor the upcoming tests.
LCR Honda completes visual preparations for the championship. The bikes are ready for the sessions in Sepang, where real performance will be evaluated.
