Marc Marquez protege has now signed bumper three-year contract to join the 2026 MotoGP grid

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LCR rider Johann Zarco recently signed a new contract that runs until the end of 2027. For a brief period, this was the longest contract on the grid.

Zarco’s previous deal was due to expire at the end of the season, and rather than bring him back in line with the rest of the grid – the vast majority will be on the market in 2026 – Honda opted for a multi-year deal.

They took a different approach with Luca Marini at the factory team, who has only signed for another 12 months. Marini and Joan Mir will both have to earn their places beyond next year.

Zarco will have a new teammate at satellite squad LCR, though, as underperforming rookie Somkiat Chantra moves to World Superbikes – a move that could soon be confirmed.

Diogo Moreira is now just an announcement away from becoming an LCR Honda rider

It emerged in August that Honda had reached an agreement with Diogo Moreira, the rider who’s currently second in the Moto2 standings. They faced strong competition from Yamaha but ultimately prevailed.

And now, according to AS, he’s officially signed his contract to join LCR in 2026. He was even seen entering Lucio Cecchinello’s garage in his Italtrans leathers at the Japanese Grand Prix.

This was apparently to carry out ‘ergonomic tests’ on the bike, ensuring he can take part in the post-season test in Valencia come November. All that remains now is the announcement.

Crucially, Honda have given Moreira a route to the factory team. His deal runs for an impressive three years – even longer than Zarco’s – and he may only spend one of those at LCR.

Diogo Moreira has a close relationship with Marc Marquez

Moreira has been training with Marc Marquez, as well as his brother Alex, for years. The six-time premier-class champion has advised him to ‘stay calm’ as his profile grows.

Now he has the opportunity to emulate Marquez by racing for the most successful team on the MotoGP grid, should he impress in his first season. French GP winner Zarco offers a formidable benchmark.

• READ MORE: Everything to know about Diogo Moreira from net worth to height

Neil Hodgson is a huge fan of Moreira, calling him a ‘class act’ with an ‘immaculate’ riding style. He has no doubt that the 21-year-old will make the step up successfully.

Moreira’s arrival coincides with the return of the Brazilian GP next year. But he’s rubbished the notion that he’s only on the grid for commercial reasons, arguing that he’s already proved his worth in the intermediate class.