Diogo Moreira is confirmed on the Honda LCR team and Brazil returns to the MotoGP grid after 19 years

Brazil will once again have a rider on the MotoGP grid, the premier motorcycle racing category, in 2026. This Tuesday, the Honda LCR Team announced the signing of 21-year-old Diogo Moreira on a multi-year contract. The country has not been represented in the sport since 2007, when Alexandre Barros competed in his last edition.

"Diogo Moreira will join the Honda LCR Team for the 2026 MotoGP season. After a standout performance in Moto2, where he was named Rookie of the Year in 2024, the Brazilian arrives with an impressive track record. A rising star ready to make an impact in the premier class," announced the Honda team, finalizing the grid for next year.

"This signing strengthens Honda and LCR's commitment to developing young talent, one of the many pillars the team focuses on. The entire Honda LCR team is excited to begin this new journey with the talented Diogo Moreira. Welcome to the team, Diogo."

The young Brazilian born in Guarulhos will be partnered with the experienced Frenchman Johann Zarco, 35, who recently renewed his contract with the team for two seasons, until 2027. Moreira has been racing motorcycles since he was very young and made his professional debut in Europe in 2019, in the Talent Cup, of the Spanish Championship.

"More than ready to make history in MotoGP next year," praised Honda, which won the competition with several factories that were eyeing the prodigy and coveted Brazilian, one of the rookies next season alongside Toprak Razfatlioglu, from WorldSBK.

"I'm Diogo Moreira and I'm going to race in MotoGP," Diogo Moreira celebrated. The Brazilian, however, will have to change the historic number 10 that has accompanied him throughout his career, used in the top motorcycle category by Luca Marini of Honda HRC.