Honda appears to have settled on the likely direction of its 2027 MotoGP line-up. Diogo Moreira is expected to take the factory HRC seat alongside Fabio Quartararo, while David Alonso is tipped to join LCR with factory-specification machinery. The announcement is considered imminent, although Honda has not yet disclosed the precise team assignments for either of its two younger riders.

Honda has already confirmed Quartararo and Alonso for 2027, while Moreira and Johann Zarco are covered by ongoing multi-year agreements. Quartararo has been named for HRC and Zarco is staying at LCR, leaving the two younger riders to fill the remaining places. Moreira’s case has been strengthened by his progress during his rookie campaign, including a Sprint podium at Motegi and fast lap times in the 850cc/Pirelli test at the Red Bull Ring.

Alonso is fifth in the Moto2 standings, but his Indonesian race ended on the opening lap after contact with team-mate Dani Holgado. A move to LCR would not take him outside Honda’s factory structure: the bike is expected to be supplied to factory specification, while the satellite setting would offer a less pressurised route into MotoGP.

Cal Crutchlow has publicly argued that Moreira deserves the factory seat ahead of Alonso, pointing to the rookie’s regular performances against Honda’s other riders. He has also described LCR as a suitable place for Alonso to develop in MotoGP with less pressure. Crutchlow’s view is that the two Honda teams are not fundamentally separated by their machinery. Different parts may sometimes be involved, but the riders concerned all have factory contracts.

The reshuffle is also tied to the moves of Joan Mir and Luca Marini, who are heading to Gresini Ducati and Tech3 KTM respectively. On that projected structure, Moreira is the leading candidate for HRC, while Alonso remains inside Honda’s factory-backed programme through LCR.