– After four race weekends in MotoGP and the subsequent test in Jerez, rookie Diogo Moreira draws a first, cautiously optimistic conclusion about his entry into the premier class. The Brazilian sees progress but also makes it clear that there is still room for improvement.
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“I mean, it was positive. It was normal, I would say,” Moreira assesses his first steps in MotoGP. At the same time, he emphasizes that his current level is not the end of the line: “We know that I can do more.”
In his first three Grand Prix, the 22-year-old was able to score points directly and finished 13th each time. The race weekend in Jerez went less well recently. Moreira did not get beyond 17th place on Sunday. Nevertheless, he evaluates the situation with nuance.
Light and shadow in Jerez
“The race weekend was not so bad because I was already doing well on the first day. But in the end, it was difficult to do a lap in qualifying, and I also crashed,” the rookie looks back. Still, he sees the development going in the right direction, also thanks to the test on Monday.
A central progress for Moreira is shown in the riding feel. He describes that the motorcycle now fits him much better and he feels more comfortable: “For me, it is now easier to ride the bike.” The focus during the test was less on fast single laps and more on consistency and understanding.
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Photo series: The career highlights of Diogo Moreira
This approach paid off: “For us, it was easier to ride the motorcycle, and it was also easier to build a stable pace.” At the same time, he relativizes the results with regard to the external conditions: More grip on the track led to faster times. The next real benchmark is already waiting: “Let’s see how it will be in Le Mans,” he looks ahead.
Moreira can learn from Zarco
Even within the team, the rookie is making progress. The collaboration with his experienced teammate Johann Zarco plays an important role. Moreira uses the opportunity to compare data and learn from the veteran.
“It’s good to have Zarco as a teammate,” says the Brazilian. “Because after all, we saw that he was super fast when overtaking. And even now, he is super fast.”
At the same time, Moreira wants to go his own way. Although he observes and analyzes the work on the other side of the LCR Honda box, what is decisive is to “develop your own line.” But after the recent test, the rookie sees himself on course: “I think we are now on a good path.”
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