MotoGP Brno, Strange decision at Honda: Diogo Moreira dropped from the 850cc test in favor of two departing riders! Alberto Puig explains

On Monday in Brno, one of the most important tests in recent MotoGP history will take place. A select group of riders (two per manufacturer) will try out the new 850cc prototypes, as well as the Pirelli tires. This could, according to reports, give them a significant advantage over the others, who will have to wait a while longer to do the same. Most manufacturers have, of course, excluded departing riders, such as Bagnaia with Ducati and Quartararo with Yamaha, because everyone knows this can provide them with valuable information once they arrive at their new teams. But at Honda, the situation is strange! Mir and Marini are leaving, Moreira is staying, and yet, it is the Brazilian who is being denied a test.

It seems completely surreal. After the Spanish Grand Prix, Joan Mir announced to everyone that he would be leaving the winged team at the end of the season. His words betrayed disappointment, or worse, bitterness. The same goes for Luca Marini, who is already known to be close to joining Trackhouse Racing according to the latest rumors.And yet, the current duo will indeed be the one fielded by Honda during Monday's test, which may seem totally unfair to Diogo Moreira, who is presumably secured for 2027 barring any unforeseen circumstances. His absence during this trial had already been hinted at by his boss Lucio Ceccinello.

 

 

Alberto Puig, Honda's team manager – soon to be replaced by the Kawase engineer – explained his choice. “We will be using our current riders, Joan and Luca. We are counting on the riders who know our motorcycle best.” That's why we're taking this approach and hope to get the best possible information about the new motorcycle from them.We'll see what the next tests bring. For Moreira, there are more tests to come. we read on speedweek.

Puig sees no flaw in his plan. « We carefully considered Diogo's case before making our decision.We want him to understand the current 1000cc bike as well as possible. Giving him a second bike to test in his first year in MotoGP would be the worst decision we could make. That would only upset him. Our goal is not to sow confusion among the pilots. We are convinced we have the best possible plan. We are satisfied with it. he concluded.

Let's just hope that Marini and Mir don't intentionally sabotage this essay when discussing their returns. What do you think of this decision? Let us know in the comments!

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport