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Honda was forced to change its “original plan” to sign Diogo Moreira for the 2026 MotoGP season, according to LCR Team Boss Lucio Cecchinello.
According to LCR Team Boss Lucio Cecchinello, Honda had to alter its original plan of signing Diogo Moreira for the 2026 MotoGP season. Instead, Moreira, a Brazilian rider, will be making his MotoGP debut with Honda’s satellite team after Ai Ogura’s unexpected departure. Honda initially intended to bring Ogura on board for the 2025 season, but Ogura chose to move to Trackhouse Aprilia after winning the 2024 Moto2 World Championship. This decision left Honda to choose between keeping Takaaki Nakagami or giving Somkiat Chantra a chance for the 2025 season. Ultimately, Chantra was selected, hoping he would adapt quickly to MotoGP. Moreira was chosen to join Honda’s 2026 lineup after Chantra faced challenges in his debut season. Chantra will now compete in WorldSBK, but Cecchinello indicated that a successful performance there could pave the way for his return to MotoGP.
