Argomenti trattati
On January 9, 2026, Honda announced a significant sponsorship agreement with Honda LCR, a prominent team in the MotoGP category of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Grand Prix World Championship. This partnership sets the stage for an exciting 2026 season characterized by high-speed competition.
For the upcoming season, Honda LCR will field a two-rider team in the competitive MotoGP arena. Veteran racer Johann Zarco from France, aged 35, will compete on the CASTROL Honda LCR. The team is also introducing a new entry called Pro Honda LCR, which will be sponsored by Pro Honda, Honda’s dedicated brand for genuine oils and chemicals.
New talents and seasoned champions
The second motorcycle in the Pro Honda LCR lineup will be piloted by 21-year-old Diogo Moreira from Brazil, who recently clinched the 2026 FIM Grand Prix World Championship Moto2 title. This move not only marks a significant step in Moreira’s career but also demonstrates Honda’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent in the competitive world of MotoGP.
The Pro Honda brand made its debut in MotoGP during the 2026 season finale, the Solidarity Grand Prix. There, Stefan Bradl, a 36-year-old German rider, participated as a wildcard entrant for the Honda HRC Test Team. Riding the renowned RC213V, Bradl’s performance laid the groundwork for a strategic partnership.
Building on past successes
Throughout the 2026 season, the Pro Honda brand continued to gain recognition. Aleix Espargaró, a 36-year-old test rider from Spain, and Takaaki Nakagami, a 33-year-old competitor from Chiba, Japan, participated as wildcard riders. Over six races, Espargaró competed in four events while Nakagami took part in two, both showcasing the Pro Honda livery and the brand’s commitment to high performance.
Pro Honda represents Honda’s unified global brand for authentic oils and chemical products, designed to optimize the performance of Honda vehicles. The technology and expertise derived from the demands of motorsport are integrated into commercial offerings, ensuring reliability and confidence for riders on the road.
Voices from Honda leadership
Kotaro Shimizu, Executive Officer of the Customer First Operations Division at Honda Motor Co., Ltd., expressed enthusiasm for the new alliance. “We are genuinely thrilled to collaborate with Honda LCR under the Pro Honda banner. This partnership is founded on a solid relationship of trust with CEO Lucio Cecchinello and HRC. As we embark on this journey in the 2026 season, we are committed to supporting Diogo Moreira and the Pro Honda LCR team in every possible way. Our gratitude for this opportunity is immense, and we aim to deliver proven technology and reliability that enhances Honda vehicles’ performance while showcasing the value of Pro Honda to users worldwide,” he stated.
Lucio Cecchinello, Team Principal and CEO of Honda LCR, shared his perspective on this new venture, noting that the introduction of Pro Honda as a title sponsor reflects a significant milestone for their team. “By aligning ourselves with Pro Honda, we are embracing shared values that will guide our racing program. We are dedicated to achieving a harmonious balance between competitive performance and unwavering reliability,” he emphasized.
Honda LCR: A legacy of excellence
Founded in 1996 and based in the Principality of Monaco, Honda LCR has established itself in the MotoGP arena with five class victories. As the 2026 season approaches, the team is poised to leverage its experience and expertise in the pursuit of victory. With a strong lineup and the backing of Pro Honda, the team is ready to face the challenges ahead.
The partnership between Honda LCR and Pro Honda represents a pivotal moment in the world of MotoGP. As preparations for the new season intensify, fans and competitors can expect an electrifying display of skill, speed, and innovation on racetracks around the globe.