It’s not a leap into the unknown": Barros explains why Moreira will be Rookie of the Year ahead of Toprak

Sunday, 23 November 2025 at 11:02

by Manuel Pecino/motosan.es

Alex Barros analyzes the arrival of Diogo Moreira in MotoGP. He also assures that Brazil once again has a prepared, well-trained rider with a solid project behind him. For this reason, he has no doubt about putting him ahead of Toprak Razgatlıoğlu in the rookie rankings.

When did you realize Diogo was special?

I saw him in motocross as a kid. He crashed in the first corner, restarted last, and finished second. I realized he had a different look, the kind that says “I never give up.” That day I understood he had real talent.

You talk a lot about ten years of work behind this moment. How did it start?

It started from scratch. In Brazil there were no facilities, no pathway. I created a school, then a program for kids, and later a bridge to bring them to Europe. When he was 12, I told Diogo he had to come if he wanted to grow. It was very tough, but he had to do it.

You didn’t have this pathway. What’s changed compared to your era?

I debuted at 15 with no preparation, no guidance, no structure. They threw me in the water without knowing how to swim. That’s why I knew that if I wanted Brazil to return to MotoGP with real chances, I had to create a model that I lacked.

What makes you think he can be Rookie of the Year?

He’s arriving prepared. Talent, speed, mindset, adaptability… And a path built step by step. It’s not a leap into the unknown, but a rider trained for ten years for this moment.

You put Moreira ahead of Toprak?

Yes. Not out of disrespect to Toprak, who is an incredible rider, but Diogo arrives more prepared and in MotoGP that means a lot.

What would you highlight about his style?

Aggressive, technical, fast. He knows how to read races and when to take risks. He has something you can’t train: audacity.

How do you see current MotoGP with Ducati, Aprilia, KTM, and Honda on the rise?

A much closer level. Ducati is still the benchmark, but Aprilia is growing a lot, KTM is in its best historical moment, and Honda has made a huge leap. Moreira arrives in an era where the level is very high, but also full of opportunities.

Figures like Marc Marquez or Bagnaia—how much can they serve as a reference for such a young rider?

Completely. Having Marc on track is a lesson. Pecco, when he returns to his level, as well. Diogo will have to learn quickly from them how to manage pace, pressure, strategy.

What does it mean to you to see Moreira in MotoGP after so many years of work?

It’s more than pride. It’s proof that Brazil finally has a real pathway to MotoGP. It’s not an isolated case: it’s a project that shows it can be done if you prepare a rider well from a young age.