Diogo Moreira’s San Marino Grand Prix ended in disappointment after the Pro Honda LCR rider crashed early in Sunday’s race, but the Brazilian showed clear progress throughout his first MotoGP weekend at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.
Moreira faced a difficult opening day on Friday as he continued adapting to the demanding Italian circuit on a MotoGP bike for the first time. He finished 17th after struggling particularly in the final sector.
“I’m struggling in Sector 3, that’s where I lose everything. Hopefully tomorrow we can find something that helps us put together a few good laps and try to make it into Q2,” Moreira said.
Although he was unable to put together a lap good enough to secure a place in Q2, the 21-year-old found some positives as he continued learning the circuit and working with his crew.
That progress was evident on Saturday, when Moreira made a strong start in the Sprint and immediately gained several positions. He eventually finished 11th, putting himself within reach of the points.
The Brazilian felt he had given everything he could, but continued to lose time through Turns 11 and 12, which prevented him from making a stronger challenge.
“I gave it everything today; I had nothing more to give or improve. I wanted to score some points, but there are two corners where I lose everything, and that compromised my laps,” he said.
Moreira started Sunday’s Grand Prix from 15th on the grid and again made a solid launch, gaining positions as he settled into the race.
However, his progress came to an early end on the second lap when he lost the front and crashed into the gravel. The incident had no physical consequences for the rider, but brought his race to an abrupt finish.
“It could have been a nice race. The important thing is that I haven’t suffered any consequences. In any case, we take the positives from the weekend and move forward to the next one,” Moreira said.
Despite missing out on a Sunday finish, Moreira leaves Misano with valuable experience from a challenging first MotoGP weekend at the circuit. His improvement from 17th on Friday to 11th in Saturday’s Sprint also offered encouraging signs as he looks to take another step forward at the Austrian Grand Prix next week.
