It's not official yet, but it looks like it: Honda has locked in its 2026 MotoGP lineup. Luca Marini is expected to continue with the HRC factory team, while the highly sought-after Diogo Moreira, a Moto2 title contender, will join LCR. A promising mix... but also full of questions about the contract lengths and the future of Mir and Zarco.
The 21-year-old Brazilian, who Yamaha also coveted, would have chosen Honda thanks to an ambitious offer: a multi-year contract and the promise of a future official position if the results are right. Enough to shake up the hierarchy very quickly. Moreira replace Somkiat Chantra, injured and expected to leave for WorldSBK.
Luca marini does not hide his enthusiasm on crash.net : " I think he's a very good driver, It's a great opportunity for himWe'll see. I think it will definitely be super fast and super strong, our bike is quite easy to learn at the beginning and has good potential. And above all, I think that next year, he will have a very good package compared to previous years »
Johann zarco remains the sure value of Honda : victory at Le Mans, success at the Suzuka 8 Hours, and best position at the championnat among the HRC riders. He was pushing for a factory spot, but it was ultimately Marini which will keep the HRC handlebars.
Diogo Moreira, Honda's Brazilian jewel
Joan mir, he risks a lot. If Moreira is indeed destined to climb in the factory from 2027, its handlebars could be the sacrificed variable. This is the real suspense. Two scenarios are emerging:
Marini sign for two years: Honda locks the factory until 2027 with Marini + Moreira. Mir is outside.
Marini only signs for one year: Honda keeps the door open for 2027, the year of the new 850cc, and the second handlebar could go to Mir, Zarco, or even to an outside star like Jorge Martin.
Honda is preparing for a very special duet: a Marini stabilizer and a Moreira hungry young wolf. Add to that a zarco always efficient and a Mir backs to the wall: internal tension could reach its peak in the midst of the technical transition around 2027.
