Diogo Moreira learns from Zarco on MotoGP debut

Diogo Moreira completed his first MotoGP weekend by finishing 13th in both the Thai Sprint and Grand Prix.

Sunday’s result also delivered the LCR Honda rider his first premier-class points.

Perhaps more importantly, the reigning Moto2 champion spent much of the grand prix learning from team-mate Johann Zarco.

While the Sprint saw the leading group quickly break away, Moreira managed to stay with Zarco through the middle phase of Sunday’s race.

2026 Thai MotoGP: Hondas

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Like many riders, the Brazilian struggled with rear tyre wear but used what he had learned to produce a strong final six laps.

The closing stages also brought Enea Bastianini into the fight, with the Tech3 KTM rider splitting the two Honda machines at the chequered flag.

While he had lost ground in the middle stages, Moreira kept pace with his more experienced team-mates once the tyre grip reduced.

“The Sprint was super fast, from the first lap until the last lap,” Moreira said.

“Today was a bit different, because the other riders started more calmly, and it was good for me because I learned a lot behind Zarco.

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“Then at the end, I fought with Enea, and it was fun.

“The tyre dropped off quite a lot, so I struggled a bit there, but overall it was really good.

“At some point I was alone pushing, because after 12 laps the tyre degradation was significant, but it was still a positive race for me.

“We’ve started the season with high motivation and this is a learning process. I can’t wait to do more races, I’ve had so much fun this weekend!”

Fellow rookie Toprak Razgatlioglu finished 17th.

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Moreira now heads to a high-pressure home event in Brazil for round two of his rookie MotoGP season later this month.

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