In a thrilling twist to the Moto2 championship saga, Diogo Moreira has emerged as a surprise champion, thanks in large part to the expertise of the Italtrans team and the seasoned guidance of Livio Suppo. This veteran manager, a well-respected figure within the paddock, has once again proven his mettle by adding a new trophy to his already impressive collection. As the dust settles on this remarkable season, Suppo reflects on a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, highlighting the incredible growth of his young protégé.
“Especially because Diogo was an ‘underdog’. He was only in his second year in Moto2 and had achieved just one podium finish in 2024. He wasn’t a debutant like Holgado or Alonso, who made an instant impact,” Suppo noted, emphasizing Moreira’s remarkable perseverance. The young rider faced a steep learning curve, yet he managed to evolve significantly over the season. Beginning from the Sachsenring, he showcased his newfound ability to manage tire wear—once a critical weakness—and maintained this upward trajectory, finishing the season as the top points scorer.
The season was not without its dramatic moments. “Gonzalez faced unfortunate circumstances with a disqualification in Indonesia and made some errors,” Suppo explained. “In a 22-race championship, everyone will have their lucky and unlucky days. For instance, an error at Sachsenring cost Diogo two races when he had been making a stunning comeback from the back of the grid.” Despite these setbacks, Moreira’s resilience shone through, and he demonstrated an impressive ability to bounce back from adversity.
What particularly astonished Suppo was Moreira’s capacity to mature throughout the year and maintain a positive attitude. “His sunny disposition helped him keep believing in himself, even when he found himself trailing significantly with only a few races left,” Suppo remarked. He credited Roberto Brivio, who played a crucial role in keeping the team’s spirits high. An anecdote shared by Suppo illustrated the dedication of the entire team: when Moreira missed a test due to injury, Brivio took the wheel of the team truck to ensure the crucial test at Valencia went ahead, exemplifying the team’s unwavering commitment.
While this championship is not Suppo’s first, the satisfaction of winning in Moto2 resonates differently. “Winning in MotoGP involves a broader project with significant technical components. We’ve seen even the phenomenal Marquez struggle at times. In Moto2, the bikes are nearly identical, with only subtle differences that level the playing field,” he elaborated. The focus shifts dramatically to the rider’s skill and the team’s attention to detail and psychological support. Suppo expressed gratitude to Italtrans for their trust, culminating in a championship victory that coincided with the team’s 40th anniversary— a fitting tribute to their hard work and passion.
As Moreira gears up to make his MotoGP debut next year, questions arise about his readiness for such a monumental leap. “In my opinion, yes. However, it’s nearly impossible to predict if a rider is truly prepared for a class change,” Suppo cautioned. He cited examples from the past where riders excelled in lower classes but struggled to adapt in MotoGP. “The less time spent in Moto3, the better, as it requires a unique riding style that can complicate the transition to larger bikes.”
The MotoGP world operates under different pressures, presenting more responsibilities and media scrutiny that can overwhelm newcomers. Yet, Suppo sees a silver lining in Moreira’s personality. “Diogo has a very calm and cheerful demeanor, reminiscent of Marquez, which I believe will help him navigate the challenges that come with the spotlight.”
In summary, the Moto2 victory marks a significant milestone not only for Moreira but also for the Italtrans team and Livio Suppo, whose relentless dedication and strategic vision have once again borne fruit. The future looks bright for Moreira as he prepares to embark on his MotoGP journey, carrying with him the lessons learned and the spirit of resilience that defined his championship-winning season.
