Johann Zarco tells Diogo Moreira what will not be ‘easy’ ahead of his expected LCR Honda MotoGP move

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Johann Zarco expects 2025 Moto2 title contender Diogo Moreira to replace Somkiat Chantra as his LCR Honda teammate in 2026, and prove his place as a MotoGP rider.

Yet Zarco, who is a two-time Moto2 champion, has no doubt that Moreira will face one clear challenge in his rookie MotoGP season in 2026. Honda have a seat left to fill at their satellite crew for 2026 after confirming that Chantra will leave LCR at the end of his rookie campaign.

Honda have decided to move Chantra across to their factory World Superbike Championship team for the 2026 season, as he frequently disappointed during his rookie MotoGP season. The 26-year-old Thai rider has only scored six points over 13 outings from 18 rounds so far.

It is still unconfirmed, but Honda are expected to sign Moreira as Chantra’s replacement at LCR for 2026 on a multi-year factory contract. The 21-year-old Brazilian rider has impressed the Japanese manufacturer after emerging as a title contender in Moto2 in his second year.

Johann Zarco warns Diogo Moreira that re-adapting to MotoGP’s 2027 regulations will not be ‘easy’

Two-time Moto2 champion Zarco believes Moreira is a “very good” rider after seeing what the Sao Paulo native can offer with Italtrans in the intermediate class. Moreira became the first Brazilian to win a Moto2 Grand Prix when he won the Dutch GP at Assen back in June.

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

Moreira has since secured wins in the Moto2 Austrian GP and Indonesian GP to move within only nine points of Manuel Gonzalez atop the standings, with four rounds to play. Zarco also believes Moreira has what it takes to replace Chantra and prove his place as a MotoGP rider.

But while Zarco expects Moreira will adapt to the Honda RC213V and also to what it takes to be a MotoGP rider in 2026, the Frenchman feels it will not be “easy” for the Guarulhos-born talent to re-adapt in 2027. MotoGP will introduce new regulations in 2027, with 850cc bikes.

“I think he’ll come,” Zarco said, via quotes by Motorsport.com. “I think he’ll be able to keep his place because he’ll have enough performance, he’ll be good enough, and he’ll be in the group of riders who know how to do it with a new bike.

“What’s not easy is that he’ll have to learn everything in 2026, and then re-adapt in 2027. At the same time, you get a bit of the MotoGP imagery in your head, the speed, you get into a certain rhythm. But, in terms of adaptation, it can be difficult.”

Johann Zarco thinks Diogo Moreira can help Honda prepare for Pirelli tyres in 2027

The 2027 MotoGP regulations will feature a raft of changes, including dropping engine sizes down from 1,000cc to 850cc. MotoGP will even ban ride height devices and add restrictions further regulating aerodynamic elements, both of which have become vital aspects of bikes.

Additionally, Pirelli will replace Michelin as MotoGP’s sole tyre provider in 2027, which Zarco thinks Moreira could actually help Honda prepare for. Moreira already has experience racing on Pirelli tyres in Moto2, after the Italian firm replaced Dunlop in Moto2 and Moto3 in 2024.

Zarco added: “In any case, he will give us feedback on what he has experienced with Pirelli tyres in Moto2. And that could be interesting, especially with a view to 2027.”

The Michelin tyres could be Moreira’s biggest obstacle next term, should Honda confirm the Brazilian as Zarco’s LCR teammate. Many also expect two-time World Superbike champion Toprak Razgatlioglu will struggle with Michelin’s MotoGP tyres, before Pirelli arrives in 2027.