In the grand circus of MotoGP, two debuts unfolded in Sepang, one chaotic, the other marked by serenity. While Toprak Razgatlioglu struggles with the challenges of his Yamaha, Diogo Moreira, the former Moto2 champion, moves at his own pace, juggling sensations and learning. A striking contrast that highlights the journey of a promising young rider.
A Test Marked by Method
The Sepang test revealed the differences in approach between these two young riders. While Razgatlioglu faced the brutal realities of a demanding championship, Moreira was able to make the most of every lap on his Honda. “I think the progress has been very satisfactory,” he stated with quiet confidence as he immersed himself in the world of MotoGP. “Day by day, my feelings improved, and it was even better on the afternoon of the last day.”
Indeed, Moreira’s method is a model of patience. He took the time to explore the settings of his machine, stating: “We defined the basic settings that suit us, and I think they were good. I did a lot of laps and better understood the bike. In the end, I think we are on the right track.”
Diogo Moreira progressed methodically at the Sepang test.
A Calm Mindset in the Face of Challenges
Spending more than a week in Malaysia, from the shakedown to the presentation in Kuala Lumpur, Moreira managed the pressure brilliantly. When asked what advice was most helpful during this test, he did not mention a technical tip, but rather a mental approach: “Calm. I have the whole year to improve and learn; I have time to do it. I need to learn, and the team is helping me a lot. I am very happy at this stage; we need to keep it up.”
He summarizes his mindset with a simple yet powerful phrase: “[Progressing] day by day, race by race.” Moreira knows he needs to improve, but he is aware that enjoyment must always be present in this adventure.
A Positive Assessment from LCR
Lucio Cecchinello, the head of LCR, did not fail to praise his rider’s exemplary attitude. “He is very calm,” he confided. “When he had a little time, he went to buy ice cream for the team. He is really cool.” Even in the face of logistical delays encountered by the team, Moreira remains focused and disciplined.
Cecchinello also highlights Moreira’s precision in his technical feedback: “The team and HRC are very satisfied because we found that he was very precise in his comments to the technicians and engineers.” This ability to understand and analyze the machine is valuable in an environment where every detail matters.
Diogo Moreira evolved with a certain calm at the Sepang test.
Technical Challenges to Overcome
Despite his positive attitude, Moreira is aware that the road ahead is still long. He acknowledged difficulties with the height adjuster, a key element in competition: “The main problem for me is the rear device; I need to understand where to activate it.” This reveals how much each technical aspect can impact on-track performance.
Furthermore, he has not yet attempted a race simulation, preferring to focus on learning the basics. “In the end, I was super tired, and it didn’t make sense to do a race simulation.” A wisdom that shows he prioritizes quality over quantity in his training.
A Learning Dynamic with Other Riders
Moreira knows he has much to learn from his teammates and other Honda riders. “I need to keep learning. I believe I need to follow someone to learn the lines well,” he explains. Following others on the track could provide him with the keys to better understand circuits and race strategies.
He also observed that his competitors, like Mir and Marini, are already fast on the Honda. “We see that Mir and Marini have been very fast, so I think the bike is good. I need to learn from my side and focus on my work.” A hardworking mentality that could pay off as the season progresses.
Diogo Moreira has not yet completed a race simulation.
A Promising Future
With this methodical approach and calm mindset, Diogo Moreira is shaping a bright future in MotoGP. His attitude towards technical challenges and his willingness to learn are major assets that will allow him to carve out a place among the elite of motorcycling. If his season start continues on this trajectory, he could very well become a rider to watch closely.
To follow Moreira’s progress in this thrilling championship, stay connected to MotoGP news on our dedicated site for MotoGP.
