Team LCR Honda has unveiled the distinct liveries for its satellite RC213Vs for the upcoming 2026 MotoGP season, showcasing a strategy of individualized designs for each rider rather than a unified team look. This move comes as the French racing outfit prepares for the final year of the current regulatory cycle, with specific sponsorship agreements dictating the appearance of their bikes. The team aims to build on past performances and integrate new talent into their lineup.
In a continuation of his partnership with British oil giant Castrol, team leader Johann Zarco will race with the familiar red, white, and green livery adorning his #5 RC213V. This collaboration underscores Castrol's enduring presence in the world of MotoGP through its association with LCR Honda. The continuity in Zarco's bike design highlights a stable commercial relationship within the team's structure.
Meanwhile, reigning Moto2 champion Diogo Moreira is set to make his premier class debut with a new primary sponsor. Following the conclusion of LCR's long-standing partnership with Idemitsu, Pro Honda, the Japanese marque’s lubricants division, has stepped up to become the title sponsor for Moreira’s bike. This change signifies a fresh chapter for the team, particularly in terms of commercial alliances and rider development.
The shift in sponsorship for Moreira's bike is particularly notable. Previously, Honda's arrangement with Idemitsu stipulated the inclusion of Asian riders in the championship. This led to seven seasons with Takaaki Nakagami and a recent stint with Thai rider Somkiat Chantra. However, Chantra's performance did not meet expectations, prompting Honda to bring in Moreira, even if it meant forgoing the Idemitsu sponsorship. Chantra has since transitioned to Honda’s World Superbike Championship roster, underscoring the competitive nature of rider placements in MotoGP.
Last season, LCR experienced varying results, despite significant improvements to Honda’s RC213V. Johann Zarco initially set the pace for Honda, even securing a remarkable victory at the rain-affected French GP. This win marked a crucial milestone for both Zarco and LCR, signaling progress in Honda’s ongoing rebuilding efforts. However, Zarco's performance waned later in the year, as he struggled to adapt to an upgraded Honda after the summer break, though he still finished as the top Honda rider in 12th place overall. Conversely, Chantra managed to score only seven points, hindered by injuries that forced him to miss five races.
With LCR's 2026 launch now complete, the focus shifts to the upcoming season. High expectations surround Diogo Moreira, who transitions to the premier class after his championship-winning Moto2 campaign. Moreira has already begun his preparations, participating in the Sepang Shakedown where he recorded the sixth-fastest time aboard the RC213V. This performance offers a promising outlook for his rookie season. Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) remains the only factory team yet to unveil its 2026 livery, with an online presentation scheduled just before the official Sepang test in early February.