Honda’s Struggle to Compete in MotoGP
Honda’s efforts to regain its footing in MotoGP have been met with limited success. Despite the introduction of a new concession system, the Japanese manufacturer still lags behind its European counterparts, particularly Ducati. This trend is expected to continue into the 2025 season.
The Barcelona test in November raised concerns, as HRC only brought minor updates to the bike, rather than a completely new prototype. This lack of significant progress has left some riders, including Joan Mir, uncertain about the team’s prospects.
Johann Zarco, who recently spoke about his experiences in a private test in Cartagena, believes that his participation in the Suzuka 8 Hours helped him improve his performance in MotoGP. The French rider credits his victory in the endurance event with giving him a mental boost and allowing him to approach MotoGP with a fresh perspective.
Small Steps Forward
Zarco acknowledges that Honda made some progress towards the end of the 2024 season. He notes that other riders, including Luca Marini, had impressive performances, which helped to narrow the gap between Honda and its competitors. Zarco believes that his experience in the Suzuka 8 Hours served as a reminder of the importance of technique and adapting to different bikes.
The Need for Improvement
Zarco emphasizes that Honda must improve in 2025, stating that it is imperative for the team to move forward. He believes that going backwards would only widen the gap between Honda and its competitors.
Zarco’s Role in Honda
The French rider considers himself the reference point for Honda, ahead of the official team’s riders, Mir and Marini. Zarco believes that as long as he remains Honda’s top rider, he can maintain the team’s trust and credibility. He also looks forward to the 2027 season, when changes in regulations and motorcycles could potentially give Honda an advantage.
Changes in Honda’s Structure
Zarco is hopeful that the addition of new personnel, including Aleix Espargaro as a tester and Roman Albesian as the new technical chief, will bring a fresh perspective to the team. However, he notes that the 2025 project is not significantly better than the 2024 project, which could hinder the team’s progress.