Diogo Moreira told he is the ‘only one’ who can compete with Marc Marquez in multiple disciplines

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MotoGP rookie Diogo Moreira is being tipped as a top talent for the future as he steps up with LCR Honda in 2026.

The Brazilian rider turned over the largest points margin in Moto2 history to win the title over Manuel Gonzalez in 2025. His achievements earned him a move to MotoGP with LCR, signing a three-year direct contract with Honda.

Marc Marquez advised Moreira over his choice of MotoGP team. The Spaniard won six of his seven premier class titles with Honda, and thus was the perfect person to take advice from for his 2026 move.

The 21-year-old has huge potential and has caught the eye of several people in the MotoGP paddock. Among them is LCR teammate Johann Zarco, who has been impressed by his efforts outside of the premier class.

Johann Zarco says Diogo Moreira has the ‘same abilities’ as Marc Marquez

Moreira is often seen on supermoto bikes outside of his MotoGP duties. The Marquez brothers also partake in these off-track activities, and Zarco has likened his teammate to the Ant of Cervera after seeing footage of his runs.

“I’m really just discovering him, but seeing how he rides and what he’s capable of…” he told Paddock GP. “I’ve been hearing for a long time that he’s very strong in these categories, even in supermoto.

“I watch some videos. I think he’s the only one who can compete with Marc Marquez in these disciplines. Because Marc Marquez, compared to other road racers, was clearly a cut above. He can ride in any category, he’ll be good. That makes a huge, huge difference.

“Diogo has the same aptitude, I think. He doesn’t have the same speed as Marc Marquez, or at least he hasn’t demonstrated it as well as Marc.

“But in every other aspect, I think he has the same abilities. I haven’t seen another rider with these qualities.”

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

Diogo Moreira is seeking advice from Marc Marquez in 2026

Naturally, Moreira will need time to adapt to the premier class. After all, his outing at the Valencia test at the end of 2025 was the first time he had ridden a MotoGP bike.

Moreira asked Marquez for advice during his title celebrations, claiming that he was ‘missing something’ on the RC213V. He will have great references to learn from in 2026, but things will start slowly for the Brazilian.

Moreira was P19 on day three of the Sepang test, over two seconds off the pace of Alex Marquez at the front. It is early days, but the LCR rider is clearly taking time to get used to his bike and his new surroundings.

Nevertheless, Jorge Lorenzo thinks Moreira will fare better than Toprak Razgatlioglu out of the MotoGP rookies. His past experience in Moto2 will certainly benefit him more than the WSBK star.