LCR Honda’s 2026 MotoGP testing programme got underway at the Sepang Shakedown in Malaysia, with rookie Diogo Moreira delivering encouraging progress as he adapts to premier class machinery.
Moreira, the reigning Moto2 world champion, used the three days on track to steadily improve his pace on the LCR Honda RC213V. After a modest start on the first two days, he made a significant leap on the final day, clocking a best lap of 1 minute 58.338 seconds, a time that placed him sixth overall among all participants. Those results also saw him edge ahead of fellow newcomer Toprak Razgatlioglu by a narrow margin.
Source: MotoGP
The Brazilian’s progress at Sepang reflects both strong adaptation to the bike and effective testing work with his crew. Throughout the shakedown, Moreira experimented with different setups and made noticeable gains each day, underscoring his readiness for the more intense official pre-season tests starting from February 3.
LCR Honda’s testing approach has given Moreira valuable track time alongside experienced team members and highlighted Honda’s commitment to nurturing its new talent. While the shakedown is not a full-field test, the consistent improvements in Moreira’s lap times show real promise for his first full MotoGP season.
The official pre-season test in Sepang will bring a complete premier class grid and provide a clearer picture of how Moreira’s early performance stacks up against established riders. For now, his strong finish in the shakedown marks an impressive start to his debut campaign and suggests he could be an early contender among this year’s rookies.
