Diogo Moreira is on the verge of finalizing a deal to step up to MotoGP next season, joining the LCR Honda team, sources tell Autosport. The 21-year-old Brazilian, currently competing in the Moto2 world championship with Italtrans, is expected to complete the move during the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix weekend. This decision marks a significant step in Moreira’s career as he prepares for his MotoGP 2026 debut with Honda.
Lineup Changes at LCR as Somkiat Chantra Exits
Moreira’s arrival at LCR will lead to the departure of Somkiat Chantra, the Thai rider who has struggled to find form since his MotoGP debut earlier this year and is currently sidelined due to injury. Chantra’s exit will also end the partnership with Idemitsu, a Japanese petroleum company that served as title sponsor for LCR on that side of the garage. As a result, the team’s established connection with the Asian market will be replaced by Moreira’s presence, bringing a South American rider back to the premier class.
Moreira Stresses Merit over Nationality in His MotoGP Move
Despite the attention on his Brazilian roots, Moreira rejects the idea that his nationality influenced the Honda signing.
“If I move up to MotoGP, it’s because I’m performing well; [my nationality] doesn’t matter. It will be because I twist the throttle, not because of the [Brazilian] flag,”
he said shortly after securing his second Moto2 victory of the season at the Austrian Grand Prix. He further clarified his relationship with Yamaha’s Brazilian branch, describing it as purely practical:
“They simply lend me the bikes for training, and I return them at the end of the season.”
Honda Edges Out Yamaha with Long-Term Plan for Moreira
Moreira had two MotoGP offers for 2026, one from Honda and another from Yamaha. Initially, Yamaha appeared favored as Moreira was lined up to join its satellite Pramac team, partnering with Toprak Razgatlioglu. However, Honda mounted a late and compelling offer, securing Moreira’s commitment with the promise of factory rider status. Autosport reports that Honda’s proposal likely involves a multi-year contract, with 2026 serving as a transition year to prepare Moreira for the full switch to the new 850cc prototype motorcycles scheduled for the upcoming regulation changes. This long-term vision aims to have Moreira fully competitive when the new era begins.
Implications for Jack Miller and Pramac Yamaha Team
Moreira’s decision also has ripple effects on other riders within the MotoGP paddock. Jack Miller, currently with the Pramac team, is expected to strengthen his position at Yamaha following Moreira’s choice to join Honda. Miller, who had been competing with Miguel Oliveira for the available Pramac seat, now appears favored to extend his contract through 2026. Oliveira’s standing may be weakened by a performance clause after missing multiple events due to injury. Meanwhile, Miller has attracted interest from Honda and Ducati for possible switches to World Superbike, but staying at Pramac Yamaha seems more likely in the near term.
Strategic and Promotional Benefits of Moreira’s Move to Honda
For Honda, signing Moreira makes sense beyond racing performance. The Brazilian rider is closely chasing the Moto2 championship leader, only 35 points behind, demonstrating his potential to succeed in MotoGP. Moreover, Honda’s decision aligns with the MotoGP calendar as the championship prepares to return to Brazil in 2026, giving the manufacturer promotional advantages in a key emerging market. The move reestablishes a South American presence in MotoGP while positioning Moreira as a key figure in Honda’s future plans during a period of technical transition and expanding global appeal.
