Honda HRC has named Diogo Moreira as Fabio Quartararo’s factory MotoGP teammate for 2027. The Brazilian is currently completing his rookie campaign with LCR Honda and has already delivered Honda’s first podium of the season at Motegi. His promotion gives the manufacturer a new pairing for the next stage of its MotoGP programme.

Moreira gets the factory opportunity ahead of David Alonso, who is racing in Moto2. The Colombian is expected to inherit Moreira’s LCR Honda ride, line up alongside Johann Zarco and make his MotoGP debut there. Moreira called the factory seat a dream for any rider and thanked Honda HRC for trusting him with the next step.

His elevation also follows encouraging progress on the current bike. Moreira is reported to have set the quickest time at the Pirelli test at the Red Bull Ring while riding Honda’s 850 cc prototype. He credited the work with the motorcycle and LCR Honda’s support for helping him adapt, and said his aim is to help Honda HRC return to the place it should occupy in MotoGP.

Why Honda chose Moreira

HRC general manager Yuzuru Ishikawa pointed to the rider’s ability to move between different types of machinery without a long adjustment period. Ishikawa said Moreira has made that transition from motocross to Moto3, Moto2 and now MotoGP, describing it as evidence of his talent. HRC plans to continue supporting him as it works towards fighting for the World Championship again.

Moreira’s first appearance as an HRC rider will come at the Valencia test in December, alongside Quartararo. The appointment also gives Honda a notable Brazilian milestone: Moreira will be the first Brazilian to race for its factory team since Alex Barros in 2004. Ishikawa described the combined Honda HRC Castrol and LCR line-up as competitive, with its riders expected to raise their level on track and contribute to the development of the next motorcycle.