Diogo Moreira pays tribute to Ayrton Senna before the Brazilian GP

This Thursday at a press conference, the Honda LCR rider presented this helmet which is very dear to him: For me, Senna is like a hero. His face is on the top of the helmet, and it will be an honor to wear it. "This is not his first tribute to Ayrton Senna, since he had already paid it in Moto3 at Silverstone in 2023. But in Goiânia, on a track renamed in honor of the late driver, the emotion will be tenfold.

Born in 2004, Moreira never knew Senna on the track (who died in 1994), but he reveres him like any Brazilian: For me, and for Brazil too, he's like a hero. And he forged his own path, just like me, right? He went to Europe and started his career there, so for me he's like a hero, and I want to follow that path. He says.

Senna's 41 victories and three titles (1988, 1990, 1991) in F1 also inspired his ambition in MotoGPAfter an encouraging debut in Buriram, Moreira nevertheless wants to progress without rushing things. Now I'm in MotoGP in the premier class, we have to try to understand the bike better and we'll see if we can follow its path. »

When asked about a dream dialogue with Senna and Pelé, another Brazilian giant in the world of football, Moreira remains humble. Wow, that's a really tough question. I'd ask for advice. Advice because, ultimately, I'm super young and I'd say I have my whole life to enjoy. I'd ask them for advice about my career and also about life in general. It's hard to say. “, he admits.

This Brazilian Grand Prix has propelled Moreira to the status of a national hero, but he refuses to put more pressure on himself than necessary. His teammate at Honda LCR, Johann Zarco, already praised his composure on Thursday. On this track he has known since childhood, Moreira is aiming for solid points.