Honda announces full rider line-up for start of 850cc MotoGP era
Honda has revealed its full line-up for the 2027 MotoGP Championship, with Diogo Moreira set to move from LCR to the factory HRC team.
Diogo Moreira has earned a dream move to the factory HRC team for 2027, where he will partner 2021 MotoGP champion Fabio Quartararo.
Honda previously confirmed which four riders would be competing for the Japanese manufacturer next season, although it failed to specify which teams Moreira and 2027 rookie David Alonso would ride for.
This has now been confirmed, meaning the entire 2027 grid is set. Moreira will partner Quartararo at HRC, while Alonso will slot in alongside Johann Zarco at LCR Honda.
Honda has struggled to close the gap to the likes of Ducati and Aprilia again in 2026, however, Moreira has been a bright spot for the Japanese brand.
The rookie secured a season-best finish of second place during the Sprint race at the Japanese Grand Prix, Honda’s home round, which no doubt will have helped his chances in securing a factory seat for next season.
Speaking about his step up to the factory team, Moreira said:
“It is a fantastic feeling to arrive at the factory Honda HRC team in MotoGP, it is something that every rider dreams of when they are young. I want to say thank you to everyone in Honda HRC for putting their faith in me and making the next step in this project.
“So far in 2026 we have done a great job to adapt to the bike and the sensations for the future are already very positive from what we have seen. Of course, I must also say thank you to everyone in LCR who have helped me in my adaptation to MotoGP – the whole team has been crucial in this development. I am looking forward to next year and to helping Honda HRC return to where they must be.”
Not only does 2027 mark a new era for MotoGP with the switch to smaller 850cc engines, Pirelli tyres and less focus placed on aerodynamics, but it also marks a big change for Honda with regards to its line-up.
It’s quite rare that a factory team changes both riders at the same time, while it’s also clear that the bigwigs back at base in Tokyo, are happy putting more faith in younger riders, which has not always been the case, especially with a factory seat.
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
