Brazil is poised to make a remarkable return to MotoGP. Diogo Moreira, fresh from his Moto2 world championship victory in 2025, will make the leap to the premier class next year, and expectations are sky-high…
Only at 21 yearsThe former Italtrans prodigy has ticked in a few months the two boxes that every rider dreams of being able to announce: a world title and a MotoGP contract already secured for 2026. A meteoric rise that has shaken up the predictions.
Her team leader, Laura Bertulessi, Team Ownerhas never hidden his admiration for her rare talent:
« Moreira is a first-rate pilot. truly exceptional. It has a immense talent and remarkable intelligenceHe remains focused at all times, never letting himself be distracted.. »
She also emphasizes the human factor: He is jovial, mature, and he knows how to handle pressure. He's a champion at heart. »
Initially the underdog against Manuel Gonzalez, long-time leader of the championship, Moreira turned the season around during a fiery end to the championship, culminating in sealing his title at the final Grand Prix in Valencia.
Diogo Moreira, the new hero for Brazilian MotoGP
The rise of Moreira in MotoGP is accompanied by a powerful symbol: the return of a Grand Prix in Brazil in 2026 in Goiânia. The Brazilian public, without a driver in the premier category for more than a decade, will be able to celebrate one of their own on their home soil.
The Paulista will team up with Johann zarco in the structure of Lucio Cecchinello (LCR Honda). It replaces Somkiat Chantra, left for WSBK. He already got behind the wheel of the RCV during post-season testing — and, according to BertulessiThe progress has only just begun.
Ambitious? Yes. Unrealistic? Certainly not, according to the woman who helped her rise to power, who states on speedweek :
« Moreira will one day become MotoGP world champion. I'm convinced he'll be number one within two years.A clear message: Honda They may well have found their next star.
With astonishing maturity, explosive speed, and an entire country ready to roar behind him, Diogo Moreira He arrives in MotoGP with much more than just curiosity surrounding him: a real breath of fresh air for Honda…and for the championship.
