MELANDRI BACKS MOREIRA TO MATCH QUARTARARO AT HONDA

Fabio Quartararo is set to leave Yamaha for Honda in 2027, ending an eight-year spell with the manufacturer as MotoGP introduces new technical regulations. The 2021 world champion has not had a winning Yamaha since 2022, and has said he did not remain with the team for financial reasons. He signed with Honda before the 2026 season, hoping the move will help him return to the front.

Former MotoGP rider Marco Melandri believes Quartararo could face a strong teammate in Diogo Moreira. Honda has yet to confirm its 2027 line-up, but Moreira is widely expected to move from LCR to the factory squad. Johann Zarco is set to remain with LCR, while David Alonso, who has a direct contract with Honda Racing Corporation, is expected to join him. Melandri argued that Alonso should be allowed to develop at LCR under team boss Lucio Cecchinello, whom he praised for running an “incredible team”.

Moreira’s potential was highlighted by his first MotoGP Sprint podium, at Motegi. He then crashed in the Japanese Grand Prix after setting his sights on another strong result. Melandri said the young rider had started well, though “not a brilliant one”, and could see a podium within reach. Wanting to attach himself to the leading group immediately, he pushed too hard and made a mistake.

“That’s just how he is: when he sees success on a Saturday, he wants even more on Sunday,” Melandri said, describing the crash as part of being young. He urged Honda to promote Moreira to its factory team, saying the manufacturer could not afford to leave a rider of his potential out of the squad.

Melandri expects Moreira to keep improving and believes he could become Honda’s leading rider. In his view, the Brazilian will be “on a par with Quartararo” in 2027, setting up a potentially competitive partnership as Honda builds towards the new rules.