On Sunday morning, the two Hondas of the LCR team were unveiled, and the two riders were presented: Johann Zarco along with the MotoGP new entry and also rookie, Diogo Moreira.
"The first time I got on a motorcycle, I was nine years old, now I'm thirty-five. Everyone cheers me on, saying I'm number one but, in reality, I'm number five, a number I've been attached to since I was fifteen. So far, I've competed in three hundred and four GPs, been on the podium sixty-four times, won eighteen times in the World Championship, and won two world titles in the Moto2," the French rider, who's now in his third season with Lucio Cecchinello's team, said.
"I remember wanting to start my first MotoGP race like a rocket, and that's what I did. I set the pace for six laps, but then I fell. In nine years in the top class, I've competed for four different brands, and that helped me gather information, gain experience, and allow my team to work better," he added. "So far, I've achieved twenty-three podiums and two wins. The most important was at Le Mans last year. It's a moment I'll remember for a long time during a year that brought unexpected results. In 2025, I also participated in the Suzuka 8 Hours for the second time. It's an endurance race that I'm proud to have won both times," he said about his past and present before mentioning his passions.
"I love music, especially the guitar, and I'm also passionate about sports, in general. I like playing golf and paddle tennis, snowboarding, skiing, and hiking. Among all these activities, I also like doing backflips, which has become my signature move when I win a race," he revealed.
Looking ahead to his upcoming commitments, Johann Zarco remarked, "2026 will be my eighteenth season in the championship, and I'm very motivated. I like the bike, with the classic Castrol colors, and a bit of black and blue. I also love seeing a little more black on the suit. The goal? To win again and maybe get on the podium a few times. Since last year, I've learned a lesson... stay calm because the season is long."
Alongside the experienced Frenchman will be the promising youngster Diogo Moreira, fresh from victory in the middleweight category.
"I was born in Guarulhos in 2004, the second son of Luis and Sandra. I grew up watching motorcycles because my father raced and was my mentor. At the age of 12, I arrived in Spain with him, hoping to achieve my dream. I thank everyone who has supported me over the years, as it all started as a game and then became more professional," he said, recalling his past sacrifices.
"When I'm on the bike, I feel something special in my body. All that speed and energy make me feel free and alive. I was Rookie of the Year in Moto3 and Moto2, and I also won the title here. I achieved my first dream. Now there's another one left," he added, revealing his next goal.
Finally, a thought about what his "office" will be like: "The colors of the new bike are beautiful, especially the yellow, which is my favorite. So I hope to fight at the front. For me, it's a special opportunity. I'll try to enjoy the moment and slowly get there."