Cal Crutchlow backs Diogo Moreira for factory Honda MotoGP

Cal Crutchlow says Honda's choice between Diogo Moreira and David Alonso for its remaining factory MotoGP seat should be an "absolute no-brainer". The former rider, who was Moreira's team-mate for six rounds this season, believes the rookie deserves the 2027 HRC ride alongside Fabio Quartararo.

Crutchlow made the comments during an appearance on the MotoGP world feed at the Aragon Grand Prix. He argued that Moreira, in his first premier class season, is regularly beating or matching the other Honda riders. The manufacturer has yet to announce who will partner Quartararo at the factory HRC team and who will join Johann Zarco at the satellite LCR squad for next year. Both Moreira and Moto2 race winner David Alonso hold Honda contracts for 2025.

"He deserves to be there before David Alonso, in my opinion," Crutchlow said. He suggested Alonso moving to LCR would be a perfect scenario for development, mirroring Moreira's path. Crutchlow noted that, with factory contracts for all riders and similar machinery, the main difference between the teams is the pressure of the factory name.

Talent and a good head

Crutchlow highlighted Moreira's combination of skill and temperament. "Everybody knows good talent when you see it," he said. "But there's a difference between talent and a good head, and he's got both." The three-time MotoGP race winner praised Moreira as a great kid and predicted a bright future. "Give him three years and he'll be, in my opinion, able to be MotoGP World Champion," Crutchlow stated.

His assessment is based on direct observation and data. Crutchlow pointed out the difficulty of Moreira's task, riding a Honda that is still progressing rather than a dominant bike like a Ducati or Aprilia. He commended Moreira's race management, fighting spirit, and lack of fear. The rookie is also intelligent and rarely complains, accurately discerning issues between rider and machine.

A Marquez-inspired braking trick

Crutchlow revealed that Moreira employs a specific braking technique, a 'trick' similar to one used by nine-time world champion Marc Marquez. Moreira regularly trains with Marquez. Crutchlow noted significant progression in the rookie's understanding of tyre management over the season, leading to more consistent race pace.

"Braking, there's no doubt about it, he's strong," Crutchlow said. He declined to detail the technique, not wanting to give it away, but confirmed its similarity to Marquez's method. Crutchlow joked that his own attempts to replicate it resulted in numerous crashes.

The results at Aragon supported Crutchlow's case. Moreira finished as the top Honda rider in both races, securing seventh in the Sprint and ninth in the Grand Prix.