Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira have received a significant boost in their fight to stay on the MotoGP grid beyond 2025, after Yamaha missed out on signing Brazilian prospect Diogo Moreira for its second Pramac seat.
The two Pramac Yamaha riders have been battling since the summer for the one available spot in 2026, with the other set to be displaced by reigning World Superbike Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu’s arrival.
Moreira had emerged as a strong candidate after his breakthrough Moto2 win at Assen, followed by a stunning recovery ride from 25th to fourth at Sachsenring before colliding with David Alonso. His performances caught Yamaha’s eye, who made him an offer ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix.
However, Honda also tabled a deal, offering Moreira a seat with LCR Honda for 2026 and the possibility of promotion to the factory team from 2027. Reports indicate the Brazilian favours Honda’s offer, which would ease the pressure on Miller and Oliveira in the Pramac seat battle.
If Honda’s move materialises, rookie Somkiat Chantra would be the casualty, with the Thai rider set to miss out on a 2026 grid slot. Chantra has struggled with form and injury in his debut season, scoring only one point. He will be replaced at this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix by Aleix Espargaro.
Since 2018, LCR’s second seat has been supported by Idemitsu, but Autosport reports Honda will sacrifice this long-term sponsorship in order to sign Moreira.
