Marco Bezzecchi
Diogo Moreira is edging closer to a move to MotoGP for the 2026 season. But the Brazilian is far from the finished product.
The 21-year-old is only in his fourth Grand Prix season in 2025 and his sophomore year in Moto2. But Moreira is establishing himself as a top rider in the intermediate class and a hot prospect on the MotoGP rider market.
Sitting third in the standings heading into the Hungarian Grand Prix, the Moto2 star has attracted interest from suitors in the premier class, with Yamaha and Honda competing for his signature. But it appears that the latter have won the race.
Reports have stated that Honda have ‘secured’ Moreira for 2026, with the Brazilian set to replace Somkiat Chantra at LCR. Rumours have suggested that he will sign a three-year deal, with a possible route to the factory team in the future.
Diogo Moreira admits he ‘must learn’ from rival Manu Gonzalez amid MotoGP rumours
The 21-year-old offers huge commercial value to Honda from his home nation. Brazil will return to the MotoGP calendar with Goiania next season, while Moreira became the first rider from the country to win a Moto2 race this year.
But there have been some doubts as to whether he will be able to perform in the premier class. Carlo Pernat has warned that Moreira may be Chantra 2.0 and struggle to make the step up, but his results show that he is a competitive rider.
He currently sits 35 points behind championship leader Manu Gonzalez, with whom he is in contention for the Honda seat. Speaking to Motor Sport Magazine, the Brazilian admitted that he ‘must learn’ from his rival.
“If I enjoy riding the bike then I will always be fast,” he said. “I need to enjoy it. Otherwise, I cannot be aggressive or do anything.
“I am learning a lot this year because I am racing more at the front and with [Aron] Canet and Manu. I have been trying to see things. I need to understand and learn.
“If I can pass and beat someone like Manu then I will. Otherwise, I must learn something from him. If I don’t make ‘0’s and crashes then I will be there.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Honda from the MotoGP team’s riders to leadership
Manu Gonzalez is a target for Honda in MotoGP
Moreira and Gonzalez are options for Pramac in 2026, hence why their decision on Toprak Razgatlioglu’s teammate has been delayed. However, it appears that the former favours a move to Honda over Yamaha, with a deal seemingly agreed.
But there could yet be a twist in the tale, as Moreira’s advisors have told him to reject Honda. If that was to happen, Honda are ‘eyeing up’ Gonzalez as Plan B.
The Spaniard has won four races in Moto2 this season and has impressed MotoGP teams in the paddock. Gonzalez was immediately on the pace during a test at Aragon with Trackhouse Aprilia.
Gonzalez will not move to World Superbikes in 2026, with LCR and Pramac being his only options in MotoGP. If Moreira takes the seat at Honda, the Spaniard will have battle with Jack Miller for a spot at Yamaha’s satellite team.
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