At Honda we are looking ahead in both the short and medium term. The MotoGP regulation change that will take place from 2027 will bring many new features that could relaunch the Golden Wing brand, but there are still two and a half seasons to be tackled as best as possible. Joan Mir is leaving, Luca Marini doesn’t hide some bad mood even though he has a contract until 2025, HRC is perennially last in the constructors’ standings. In this surreal situation, team manager Alberto Puig tries to keep motivation high.
Honda looks to 2027
In 2027 many rules will change in MotoGP and Honda must already be thinking about the future. “We have been racing since 1959, which is a long time, and we have adapted to different regulations, different drivers and rules and in all classes“, Puig explained to MotoGP.com. “We have now reached a point where things will change again. I think it’s a challenge for everyone. And Honda will be there to see how to deal with the new regulation. It matters how you get there. In this case it was a long negotiation with all the manufacturers, with Dorna and all the parties involved. In the end we reached an agreement, we have the regulation and we are carrying it forward“.
Changes in engine displacement, in terms of aerodynamics, there will no longer be the holeshot device, 100% sustainable fuels. It certainly won’t be a less fast MotoGP and a new challenge opens up for everyone, starting with the engineers and riders. “The engineers have to think very, very carefully about what they do, because they don’t want to lose too much… However, in the end, it will be interesting and Honda will be ready“, assured Alberto Puig. “I don’t know what the others are doing. But the fundamental thing is that we need to start thinking straight away“.
Bradl’s second wildcard in Catalunya
Meanwhile, in the next round in Catalunya, Honda will also appear on the starting grid with test driver Stefan Bradl. Thanks to the new concession system, the German will support his second wildcard of the season (he can participate in up to six GPs in 2024) after the one in Jerez. It’s difficult to think of a quick turnaround, the evolution of the RC213V still requires time and kilometers on the track. “We must not despair, we have been here too long. Honda is still the most successful manufacturer in the category, even if things don’t seem to be going so well at the moment“.
In recent years something hasn’t worked in the gears of the Japanese giant and the test driver tries to give an explanation. “Over the last decade or so I haven’t adapted fast enough. Other Builders worked better and gave direction. They had the best rider in MotoGP [Marc Marquez, ndr] for over ten years and I don’t want to say that they rested on their laurels, but they were not very precise in their development… HRC is a large tanker that cannot be maneuvered so easily. It didn’t happen overnight that we lost our way. It will take some time to get this big HRC ship back on the right track“.
Jonathan Rea, the official biography available on Amazon
Photo: Box_Repsol
