Diogo Moreira will move to Honda HRC’s factory MotoGP team for 2027, taking his place alongside Fabio Quartararo. Honda selected the Brazilian ahead of David Alonso, who will begin his premier-class career with LCR Honda.

Johann Zarco, currently Moreira’s LCR team-mate, believes the decision is the right one. He calls Moreira a “top rider” and argues that the factory operation needs two riders capable of performing at a high level. Moreira already has one MotoGP season behind him and scored Honda’s only official podium up to that point, in the Motegi Sprint.

Zarco’s reasoning centres on experience. He regards Moreira as the safer option for results alongside Quartararo than a rookie still learning the category. He also expects Quartararo to become the team’s leader. At the same time, Zarco says Moto2 riders should adapt more easily to a MotoGP bike under the 850cc and Pirelli regulations.

A learning role for Alonso at LCR

For Alonso, LCR will be the place to learn the premier class. He will make his MotoGP debut at 20, while Zarco will be 36 and the oldest rider on the grid. The two LCR team-mates will therefore be separated by 16 years.

Moreira and Quartararo give Honda a new factory rider pairing as the 850cc and Pirelli era begins. LCR, meanwhile, becomes Alonso’s first MotoGP environment, allowing him to learn the demands of the class before taking on a greater competitive burden.