Honda faces a major decision over its MotoGP line-up for 2027, with Diogo Moreira and David Alonso emerging as the leading candidates for the manufacturer’s second factory seat alongside Fabio Quartararo.
Quartararo is already confirmed to join Honda’s factory team next season after leaving Yamaha, but the identity of his team-mate remains unclear. Honda’s choice could come down to whether it rewards Moreira for an impressive rookie campaign or gives Alonso an immediate promotion after signing the young Colombian for the future.
Honda announced on July 21 that Alonso had agreed to a multi-year contract. Although born in Spain, Alonso races under a Colombian licence and has quickly established himself as one of the most promising young riders in the sport.
However, Honda has yet to reveal where Alonso will race in 2027. That has created an interesting situation because Moreira is already part of Honda’s MotoGP programme and has made a strong impression in his first season with LCR Honda.
Moreira signed a two-year deal with Honda before making the move from Moto2, with an option for a third season. That option would be activated if Honda promotes him to its factory team for 2027. If that does not happen, he could potentially become available to other teams from 2028.
The Brazilian’s performances have given Honda plenty to consider. Despite riding for satellite outfit LCR, Moreira has regularly been Honda’s strongest performer and has shown impressive speed against more experienced MotoGP riders.
The 22-year-old has already collected five top-10 finishes during his rookie season, including a career-best sixth place at the Hungarian Grand Prix. He has also shown strong qualifying pace, reaching Q2 several times and qualifying inside the top 10 at Aragon.
Moreira was once again the leading Honda rider at Aragon, where he also finished ahead of all the Yamaha riders. His progress has been particularly encouraging for Honda as the manufacturer continues its efforts to close the gap to the leading Ducati machines.
The timing of the decision is also significant because MotoGP will enter a major new technical era in 2027. The championship will switch from 1,000cc engines to 850cc units, while aerodynamic regulations will also change and Pirelli will replace Michelin as the official tyre supplier.
Honda will therefore want riders who can contribute to the development of its new-generation machine, making Moreira’s experience with the current RC213V potentially valuable.
Source: Crash.net
Alonso, meanwhile, represents a longer-term investment. Honda’s decision to secure him on a multi-year contract shows how highly the manufacturer rates his potential, but it must now decide whether he is ready to step directly into the factory team or would benefit from beginning his MotoGP career with LCR.
That could have a major impact on Moreira’s future. LCR team owner Lucio Cecchinello is keen to retain the Brazilian, but Moreira’s performances could make a factory promotion difficult for Honda to ignore.
For now, Moreira appears focused on his debut MotoGP season rather than the speculation surrounding his future. At just 22, he is still learning the premier class, but his results have already strengthened his case for a factory seat.
Honda now has two very different but equally attractive options. Alonso has the reputation of a highly rated young prospect and a fresh multi-year contract, while Moreira is already proving that he can compete effectively in MotoGP.
The decision will be particularly important as Honda prepares for the major technical changes arriving in 2027. Whichever rider gets the seat could play a significant role in shaping the next chapter of Honda’s MotoGP project.
