Diogo Moreira to join Honda ahead of 2026 MotoGP debut

Diogo Moreira is finalising the details of an agreement that will see him step up to MotoGP next season, riding a Honda for the LCR team, Motorsport.com has learned.

The move, which will promote the 21-year-old Brazilian – currently battling for the Moto2 world championship with Italtrans – to the premier class, is expected to be completed in the coming days, most likely at this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

Moreira’s arrival at LCR will mean the departure of Somkiat Chantra, who has struggled to make an impact since his MotoGP debut earlier this year and remains sidelined through injury.

Motorsport.com understands that the Thai rider’s exit will also bring an end to Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu’s role as title sponsor of Lucio Cecchinello’s team on that side of the garage. That entry’s established Asian market connection will thus be severed as MotoGP welcomes a South American rider back to the grid.

But Moreira dislikes suggestions that his nationality would be a major factor in his signing.

“If I move up to MotoGP, it’s because I’m performing well; [my nationality] doesn’t matter. It will be because I twist the throttle, not because of the [Brazilian] flag,” Moreira said on Sunday, shortly after dominating the Austrian Grand Prix to claim his second Moto2 victory of the season.

He hinted that his known ties with Yamaha’s Brazilian branch amounted to little more than a practical arrangement: “They simply lend me the bikes for training, and I return them at the end of the season."

As reported on Monday, Moreira had two offers on the table for a MotoGP seat in 2026 – one from Honda and another from Yamaha. While Yamaha initially appeared to have taken the lead by lining up the Sao Paulo native for its satellite Pramac team, where he would have partnered Toprak Razgatlioglu, Honda launched a late offensive in recent days that ultimately convinced Moreira to side with the golden-winged marque, which has committed to giving him factory rider status.

Jack Miller's future at Pramac is looking more secure after Moreira opted for Honda

Photo by: Gold and Goose Photography / LAT Images / via Getty Images

Motorsport.com understands that Honda’s proposal includes a long-term deal, likely spanning three years, with 2026 regarded as a transitional season. The aim is for the Brazilian to be fully up to speed in MotoGP by the time the new technical regulations come into force, when 850cc prototypes will replace the current 1000cc machines.

Strategically, the move makes sense for Honda both from a sporting perspective – Moreira is currently just 35 points adrift of the Moto2 championship leader – and from a promotional standpoint, with the championship’s return to Brazil looming in 2026.

The decision also has wider repercussions. Chief among them, Jack Miller now looks increasingly likely to extend his deal with Yamaha and remain with Paolo Campinoti’s Pramac squad, at least through 2026.

The Australian, who had been understood to be in a battle with team-mate Miguel Oliveira for the one available Pramac ride, now appears to have a stronger case than the Portuguese.

Oliviera, who initially signed a two-year contract through to the end of 2026, may find himself vulnerable to a performance clause working against him after missing several rounds due to injury.

Motorsport.com understands that Miller has also been courted by both Honda and Ducati for a switch to WorldSBK.