Honda chose to develop discreetly in Jerez

Once the dominant force in MotoGP, Honda is now deep into a period of reconstruction. Private testing at Circuito de Jerez—Angel Nieto underscores the brand’s determination to recapture its former glory, despite a long and perilous road ahead. With three prototypes in action, Honda aims to retool its RC213V for a more competitive future following a lackluster 2024 season.

Testing Amid Concession Rules

Taking advantage of MotoGP’s concession rules, Honda conducted private tests to continue developing the RC213V. These sessions follow disappointing results in Barcelona, where Joan Mir openly expressed frustration over the lack of significant updates. In Jerez, Honda arrived with a renewed strategy, utilizing test riders Luca Marini and Aleix Espargaró to evaluate three variations of the RC213V. Regular riders Johann Zarco and Joan Mir were also scheduled to join later in the week.

Aleix Espargaró and a Reinforced Technical Team

Aleix Espargaró, with experience and credibility from Aprilia, tested Honda’s machine in optimal conditions alongside his former Aprilia crew chief, Antonio Jimenez, who recently joined Honda. This marked a crucial opportunity for Espargaró to gain further familiarity with Honda’s bike, building on his initial trial in Barcelona.

Three Prototypes in Action

Honda maintained a low-profile approach during testing, avoiding publicity. However, photographers managed to capture shots of the bikes on track, showcasing modified fairings and aerodynamics resembling recent MotoGP designs. These developments, particularly appreciated by Zarco, signal Honda’s attempt to modernize its RC213V.

Despite these efforts, lap times hovered around 1’38—far from competitive MotoGP benchmarks. This underscores the significant performance gap Honda still faces.

Ambitious Plans, Delayed Leadership

The 2025 RC213V prototype is at the center of Honda’s efforts. As a concession-eligible team, they are maximizing testing opportunities, with another session expected in December at Sepang. However, a key piece of their revival puzzle, Romano Albesiano, the incoming technical director, won’t be able to begin his role until January 2025 due to contractual obligations with Aprilia.

Challenges and Opportunities

While Honda’s substantial resources and expanded technical team reflect their commitment, the journey ahead remains fraught with challenges. Mixed feedback from riders and lackluster performance during tests highlight the hurdles they must overcome to bridge the gap with rivals.

Yet, their focus on innovation—including testing three distinct prototypes and collaborating with seasoned engineers like Jimenez—signals their intent to turn the tide.

A Critical Year Ahead

The results from Jerez will shape Honda’s next steps as they prepare for the 2025 season. With renewed commitment and strategic hires, Honda is intent on reclaiming its leadership in MotoGP. However, whether these efforts translate to on-track success remains to be seen. For now, the storied manufacturer’s road to redemption is one of cautious optimism and relentless pursuit.