As far as young riders are concerned, Diogo Moreira will be one of the names to watch in 2026 as he makes his debut in the premier class. Despite having just won the Moto2 title, the LCR team rider will still be starting from scratch, even though he was able to continue his apprenticeship in Sepang over the past few days. "The shakedown went very well. It was a really useful three days. We racked up laps and tried to understand the bike. In the end, everything is new to me... the tires, the bike, and the team, but we did a good job," he said on the eve of the official test.
You grew steadily over those three days. Do you think you still have room for improvement or making up the last few tenths might end up being difficult?
"I finished one second behind Espargaro, so I still need to figure out how to close the gap, and that's the hardest part. Now riding, getting to know the bike, and testing different things is going to be important. It's not a bad start, though, and we need to keep going like this."
In Valencia, you were scared by the speed of the MotoGP bikes. How are you doing now?
"Only on the first lap did I feel like I was at Ricardo Tormo but, in the end, understanding things was easier, starting with the braking points. In general, it went better."
Was it difficult to adapt and find your pace?
"I think it's normal. In the end, it's a new bike and, specifically, a new chassis for Honda. Clearly, there are problems, but I've completed fifty-three laps over the last few days, and I've gradually improved. Like I said, I'll gradually understand the bike, more and more. For now, we've found the basic set-up to participate in the official tests."
What's been the most difficult thing you've encountered in the MotoGP so far?
"The speed, but also the trajectories. With a Moto2 bike, you have to be fast on the straights while, on a MotoGP bike, it's corner exit that's crucial, so you have to adapt."
Did you train differently during the winter?
"Yes, I changed the way I train both in the gym and on the bike. Also, I never stopped this winter, except for maybe a week after the last race of 2025 in Valencia. I've always been on the bike, and that's a good thing."
Is it physically harder to ride a MotoGP bike than a Moto2 bike?
"Definitely. I was very nervous on the first day, but that's normal because there's a lot to learn. I think it's going to be different and easier to ride in Thailand."
Among the changes you've had to deal with are the tires, no longer the Pirelli tires from the Moto2, but Michelin tires.
"Yes, you ride differently with Pirelli, so I had to change my style a bit. But, thanks to the Shakedown, I was able to understand the direction. It's just a matter of accumulating kilometers."