“I’m calm. Winning the World Cup is an extra gift,” said Diogo Moreira

In an interview after winning the Portuguese Grand Prix, Diogo Moreira spoke about the focus he adopted throughout the weekend, the moment he is in the category, the pressure for the championship and the future of MotoGP.

Starting from pole position, the Brazilian took victory in Portimão after a beautiful dispute with Colin Viger. Diogo stated that at no point in the race was there any concern about the title or Gonzalez’s position. His focus was to live in the moment and win the stage:

“I just wanted to win this race. Yeah, from day one here on the weekend, I said that and I think that was the main goal of the weekend. So, I’m very happy with that mentality that I had throughout the whole weekend.”

After the race, the difference between Moreira and Manu Gonzalez increased to 24 points. To become champion in Valencia, Diogo only needs to finish the final stage in at least 14th place. The Brazilian stressed the importance of continuing the same behavior he followed throughout the season.

“I am having fun and learning a lot this year as well. So, I have to enjoy this moment, because there are few people who can enjoy this moment in life. I have to continue to enjoy as much as I can, including the last race of the year.”

Moreira gave his opinion on the difficulty of the final stage of the season, but highlighted the need to maintain consistency:

“I think it will be a very complicated weekend and it will be difficult to maintain focus, but I have to continue in the same way as the rest of the season and try to have a normal weekend. So I will just try not to think about the title and try to win another race this year.”

In Portimao, Diogo lost the race lead in the first laps, but regained it with a few laps remaining. The Brazilian stated that the beginning of the race was more difficult, but his strategy was decisive to ensure victory:

“I knew that at the end of the race it was possible to arrive and perform much better than at the beginning. So, I think my strategy was to be there at the back, always trying to be in the front group and in the last laps, make that difference. I think that was the main key for this race.”

For Valencia, the driver stated that he will have to maintain his routine, but also take advantage of his free days to take his mind off the whole battle for the title.

“I will keep the same routine and the same training. Now I will have two free days at home, so I will try to disconnect from the world a little bit and try to be relaxed, calm and have fun.”

Diogo also stressed that he does not feel pressure to win the World Cup.

“I don’t have any pressure. I think I really did my job this year and got a lot of points. So, I’m very calm about everything. I think winning the World Cup will be an extra gift.”

At only 21 years old, the pilot displays a very mature demeanor. About to go to MotoGP, the Brazilian says this season has helped him gain maturity.

“I gained a lot of that this year. In 2025 I was able to function differently mentally. Like I said before, I think I really did my job this year, and winning the title is an extra gift. So, I think I feel more comfortable because of that.”

Regarding the future of the MotoGP World Championship, Moreira said he believes this stage is guaranteed with good riders.

“I think we have a lot of good riders. So, I think the future of MotoGP is coming. For sure, the riders from Moto3 to Moto2 and those from Moto2 to MotoGP will move. It’s always like that. I think this is a very beautiful thing in the championship. We have been at this since we were young, so, working in the right way, I think we are the future.”

Diogo returns to the track on Sunday morning (16), at 8:15 a.m. Brasilia time for the final stage of the season, the race that will determine the Moto2 champion. The Brazilian has a chance to win the title and just needs to finish at least 14th. It will stream on ESPN4 and Disney+.