In a U-turn from its expected plans, Honda has promoted Diogo Moreira to its factory MotoGP team, with David Alonso moving to the LCR team.
Honda had previously announced the signing of current Moto2 rider Alonso to its MotoGP setup, but failed to announce which team the Colombian would be joining after an impressive rookie campaign for current LCR rider Moreira.
Moreira has consistently battled to be the best Honda rider throughout the campaign since a breakthrough top 10 in Barcelona, and also scored a sprint podium at the Japanese manufacturer’s home race in Motegi.
Meanwhile Alonso has continued some strong performances in Moto2, but he has fallen out of title contention in recent months with a big gap to Manuel Gonzalez and Izan Guevara at the top of the riders’ standings.
After time to figure out which of its riders to place alongside Fabio Quartararo in the factory team, Honda has seemingly given the nod to Moreira after Alonso was announced with LCR for 2027.
“It is a fantastic feeling to arrive to the factory Honda HRC team in MotoGP, it is something that every rider dreams of when they are young.” Moreira said in a press release.
“I want to say thank you to everyone in Honda HRC for putting their faith in me and making the next step in this project,”
“So far in 2026 we have done a great job to adapt to the bike and the sensations for the future are already very positive from what we have seen.
“Of course, I must also say thank you to everyone in LCR who have helped me in my adaptation to MotoGP – the whole team has been crucial in this development. I am looking forward to next year and to helping Honda HRC return to where they must be.”
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