It may not be official, but it appears that Honda’s 2026 MotoGP lineup has been confirmed. Luca Marini has joined the LCR with factory HRC team and Moto2 title candidate Diogo Moreira along with Johann Zarco.
The Japanese manufacturer saw competition with Yamaha and secured the service of 21-year-old Moreira.
Marini quized, predicting Moreira’s expected arrival over the weekend at Balaton Park.
“I think he’s a very good rider, and that’s a good opportunity for him. Let’s take a look.
“I think he’s certainly very fast and very strong. Our bikes are very easy to learn at first and can be good.
“And I think he has a very good package, especially next year, compared to the previous year.”
The contract manager is important
Moreira is set to replace injured rookie Somkiat Chantra, who has linked his transition to WorldSBK next season.
Chantra’s teammate Zarco finished Honda’s Motogpu victory with an emotional home victory at Le Mans.
Zarco was driving factory promotions, but remained Honda’s top rider in the world championship rankings, adding a Suzuki eight-hour victory, but Marini won after Doge Martin stayed at Aprilia.
However, the length of Honda’s new MotoGP contract will be viewed carefully.
Moreira is believed to have been dependent on the promise of a multi-year contract, including future factory seats.
So if Marini wins another two years of HRC trade, it suggests that Moreira will line up to join Italian in 2027 at the expense of his current teammate Joan Mir.
However, if Marini signs only one year extension, the second HRC sheet will remain fully open at the start of the new 850cc ERA.
The range of possibilities includes deals of new Marini or Meal, the arrival of Zarco, or new attempts to sign an external star, such as Martin.