Diogo Moreira Set for MotoGP Debut with LCR Honda as Brazil Returns to the Premier Class

Phillip Island: Rising Brazilian star Diogo Moreira is set to make history after signing a multi-year MotoGP deal with LCR Honda, announced ahead of the Australian Grand Prix in 2025. One of the most sought-after young talents in the paddock, Moreira attracted interest from multiple factories before Honda secured his signature, backing a rider widely tipped as a future MotoGP frontrunner.

The move will see Moreira join the 2026 MotoGP grid as one of only two rookies, alongside WorldSBK champion Toprak Razgatlioglu. Notably, he will become the first Brazilian MotoGP rider since Alex Barros, ending a long wait for Brazil’s return to the sport’s premier category.

From São Paulo Motocross to MotoGP Stardom

Born in Guarulhos, São Paulo, Diogo Moreira began his racing career in motocross before relocating to Spain in 2017 to pursue circuit racing in Europe. His breakthrough came in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, where he finished sixth overall in 2021 with four podiums, earning him a full-time Moto3 World Championship ride in 2022.

Moto3 and Moto2 Success Story

Moreira made an immediate impact in Moto3, claiming the Rookie of the Year title after a consistent debut season. Podiums followed in Portugal and Argentina, before he secured his first Grand Prix victory in Indonesia, finishing the season eighth overall.

His performances earned him a step up to Moto2 with Italtrans Racing in 2024, where he again adapted quickly. A podium at the Barcelona finale sealed yet another Rookie of the Year crown, setting the stage for a dominant 2025 campaign.

In Moto2 2025, Moreira emerged as a championship force, delivering multiple podiums and four race wins, including victories at Assen, Austria, Indonesia and Portugal. He ultimately clinched the Moto2 World Championship, becoming Brazil’s first-ever motorcycle Grand Prix world champion.

MotoGP Debut and Home Grand Prix Dream

Moreira’s MotoGP debut season in 2026 will carry added significance, with the Brazilian Grand Prix returning to the calendar in March. The LCR Honda rider is set to race in front of home fans during just his second MotoGP appearance, a landmark moment for Brazilian motorsport.

Having raced with the #10 throughout his junior career, Moreira will switch to #11 in MotoGP, as the former is already taken by factory Honda rider Luca Marini.

He has already completed his first MotoGP test in Valencia and will continue preparations during pre-season testing in Sepang and Bangkok, ahead of the season opener in Thailand.

As anticipation builds toward the Phillip Island Grand Prix, all eyes will be on Diogo Moreira — a rider Honda believes could become Brazil’s next MotoGP superstar.