P1racenews AI automatic summary:
2026 will see two high-class rookies debut in MotoGP
Former MotoGP race winner Alex Barros predicts that Diogo Moreira will be named the rookie of the year in 2026, surpassing three-time World Superbike champion Toprak Razgatlioglu.
Brazilian rider Diogo Moreira has been a highly regarded prospect in the racing world for several years and became a key figure in the 2026 rider market after securing a deal with Honda’s LCR team to make his MotoGP debut as the reigning Moto2 champion.
Moreira’s debut coincides with the return of the Brazilian Grand Prix to the calendar after 22 years, sparking significant interest in his home country.
Barros, a fellow Brazilian and seven-time premier class race winner, has praised Moreira’s talent, speed, and mindset, emphasizing the importance of readiness in MotoGP.
Despite Razgatlioglu’s impressive performance in testing, Barros believes Moreira is better suited for success in MotoGP and will outshine the Turkish rider in the rookie of the year standings.
Yamaha’s focus on bike development and the advantage Honda holds with its recent advancements suggest that Moreira may have a competitive edge over Razgatlioglu in the upcoming season.
