Diogo Moreira joins Honda factory MotoGP team

Honda has announced that Diogo Moreira will join its factory HRC MotoGP team for 2027, while former Moto2 champion David Alonso will move to LCR Honda. The decision follows Honda’s earlier announcement of Alonso’s MotoGP signing, but the specific factory seat was unclear. Both moves were confirmed on October 20.

Moreira had been a rookie in Moto2 but impressed in 2026, consistently challenging for the best Honda rider role. Honda had initially planned to pair Alonso with Fabio Quartararo, but the lack of a clear factory seat led to the final decision. Both riders now have distinct paths to MotoGP.

Moreira’s 2026 campaign included a top‑10 finish in Barcelona and a sprint podium at Motegi, the manufacturer’s home race. Those results demonstrated his ability to handle the factory machinery and earned him the promotion.

Alonso has continued strong races in Moto2 but has fallen out of title contention, trailing Manuel González and Izan Guevara. He will debut in MotoGP with LCR alongside Johann Zarco, starting with a post‑season test in Valencia before the 2027 season.

Moreira expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying it felt like a dream and praising the support from both HRC and LCR teams. Alonso, meanwhile, praised LCR as a “perfect place” to learn and grow in the premier class.

Both riders are set to test the MotoGP machines in the post‑season Valencia test, and they will compete in the 2027 season with their respective teams. The moves mark a new chapter for Honda’s MotoGP program and the rising talents.