Diogo Moreira draws a first conclusion after four MotoGP races and the Jerez test – The rookie feels progress, but knows: The next step must now follow
After four race weekends in the MotoGP and the subsequent test in Jerez, rookie Diogo Moreira draws a first, cautiously optimistic conclusion of his start in the premier class. The Brazilian sees progress, but at the same time makes it clear that there is still room for improvement.
“I mean, it was positive. It was normal, I would say,” says Moreira, assessing his first steps in MotoGP. At the same time, he emphasizes that his current level is not yet the end of the line: “We know that I can do more.”
In his first three Gands Prix, the 22-year-old was able to score points directly and finished 13th in each. The race weekend in Jerez went less well recently. Moreira did not finish higher than 17th on Sunday. Nevertheless, he assesses the situation in a differentiated way.
Light and shade in Jerez
“The race weekend wasn’t too bad, because I was already doing well on the first day. But in the end, it was difficult to set a lap in qualifying and I also crashed,” the rookie looks back. Nevertheless, he sees the development going in the right direction, also thanks to the test on Monday.
A key improvement for Moreira is the riding experience. He describes that the bike now suits him much better and that he feels more comfortable: “It’s easier for me to ride the bike now.” The focus of the test was less on fast individual laps and more on consistency and understanding.
This approach paid off: “It was easier for us to ride the bike and it was also easier to build up a stable pace.” At the same time, he puts the results into perspective with regard to the external conditions: More grip on the track made for faster times, he says. The next real yardstick is already waiting: “Let’s see how it goes at Le Mans,” he looks ahead.
Moreira can learn from Zarco
The rookie is also making progress within the team. The collaboration with his experienced team-mate Johann Zarco plays an important role in this. Moreira uses the opportunity to compare data and learn from the experienced rider.
“It’s good to have Zarco as a team-mate,” says the Brazilian. “After all, we saw that he was super-fast when overtaking. And he’s super-fast now too.”
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, the decisive factor is to develop “his own line”. But after the latest test, the rookie sees himself on course: “I think we’re on the right track now.”