Argomenti trattati
In the high-stakes arena of MotoGP, the 2025 season has marked a pivotal moment for Honda HRC. After facing challenging years, the team has made significant progress, amassing 285 points in the Constructors Championship—an impressive increase of 210 points compared to the previous season. This advancement has enabled Honda to upgrade to C Concessions, attributed to a notable victory, three podium finishes, and newfound consistency that has allowed the RC213V motorcycle to consistently compete for top spots.
The transformation from the last season is evident in the race statistics. The gap between the race winner and the top Honda rider has significantly decreased from an average of 30 seconds to just 13.5 seconds. This substantial reduction highlights Honda’s dedication to development and performance enhancement.
Rider performance and team dynamics
The collective efforts of the team are reflected in the performances of their riders. Johann Zarco has emerged as a standout, finishing 12th overall with a total of 148 points, a remarkable increase of 93 points from the previous year. His teammate, Luca Marini, closely follows, achieving a tenfold increase in his points tally. Joan Mir has also significantly contributed, adding 85 points to his score and securing two podiums for Honda.
Technical leadership and strategic focus
Leading these advancements is Mikihiko Kawase, the MotoGP Technical Manager since 2025. Kawase has played a crucial role in guiding Honda’s efforts, coordinating the activities of engineers and teams both on the track and during development. His extensive experience, which began in 2012, has been vital in identifying areas for improvement and implementing effective strategies. Kawase emphasizes that the focus remains on utilizing collective feedback and data to direct future developments.
When discussing his satisfaction with the 2025 season, Kawase expressed optimism, noting it as Honda’s most successful year since 2019. He acknowledges pride in the progress made but emphasizes that the ultimate goal is to consistently compete for victories, a sentiment shared throughout the team.
Key factors behind Honda’s improvement
Several key factors have contributed to Honda’s performance resurgence. Kawase notes that the team has extensively experimented with bicycle aerodynamics, chassis, and engine components over the past few seasons to identify limitations and enhance performance. By the latter half of 2025, Honda had developed a robust aerodynamics package that serves as a foundation for further advancements.
In 2025, refining the engine’s power delivery and improving rideability have played critical roles in achieving better results. The collaboration among engineers in Japan and Europe has been essential in pushing the boundaries of what the RC213V can achieve on the track.
The road ahead: challenges and goals
Transitioning from D to C Concessions marks a significant milestone for Honda’s future direction in MotoGP. This change presents its own set of challenges, including limitations on tire testing and restrictions on engine development. However, the addition of skilled riders such as Nakagami and Aleix Espargaro to the Test Team is expected to enhance Honda’s capabilities in the upcoming seasons.
Looking forward, Kawase outlines the team’s goal to maintain a competitive edge, consistently finishing within the top five and striving for podium opportunities. As the final year for the 1,000cc class approaches, Honda is committed to maximizing the performance of the RC213V while continuing development efforts across the board.