Honda Riders Hail Potential Loss of MotoGP Concessions as a Sign of Progress

VALENCIA, Spain – Honda MotoGP riders Luca Marini and Joan Mir have expressed optimism about the prospect of the factory losing its coveted concessions for the 2026 season, viewing it as a testament to the team’s resurgence after a challenging period. The comments came ahead of the final race of the 2024 season in Valencia, where Honda’s performance will determine whether it retains the significant advantages it currently holds under the MotoGP concession system.

Honda, along with Yamaha, currently benefits from Group D status within MotoGP’s revamped concession framework. This system grants struggling manufacturers additional allowances in critical areas such as testing opportunities, engine allocations, and the ability to field wildcard entries. These concessions are designed to help teams bridge the performance gap and become more competitive.

The Sakura-based manufacturer has strategically utilized these allowances to navigate its way out of what was arguably its worst slump in MotoGP history. The 2024 season saw a significant upturn in fortunes, highlighted by a victory at the rain-affected French Grand Prix and impressive dry-weather podium finishes at Silverstone, Motegi, and Sepang. These results have demonstrated the effectiveness of Honda’s development efforts and the riders’ ability to extract performance from the RC213V machine.

However, this improved performance has had a consequential effect: Honda is now on the cusp of relinquishing its Group D concessions for the 2026 season. To move into the same tier as KTM and Aprilia, Honda needs to secure just nine more points at the Valencia finale. The loss of these concessions would mean a reduction in the development and testing advantages that have been instrumental in the team’s recent progress.

Related News :

Despite the potential impact on the RC213V’s development trajectory, Luca Marini emphasized that moving out of Group D had been a primary objective for Honda since the mid-point of the season. He noted that the extensive testing requirements associated with the concessions placed considerable demands on the riders.

"It’s fantastic. This is a target that we have had since mid-season," Marini said. "From mid-season, we saw that it could be possible to change the rank, and everybody was pushing so hard to achieve this."

Marini also highlighted the physical and logistical challenges posed by the extensive testing schedule. "Also, for us as factory riders, to have fewer events would be nice, because in these two years, we used so much energy outside of the GPs, and it’s not easy. Maybe it looks like it’s just an advantage, but sometimes it’s not because you need to take another flight to stay out of home, another two-three days [away from home], and it’s not so easy."

Marini expressed confidence in Honda’s existing testing infrastructure, suggesting that the team could effectively manage development without the Group D concessions. "I think it will be just better because, at the end, we have a very strong test team with Aleix [Espargaro] and Taka [Nakagami]. They are doing a fantastic job at this moment. So, I’m really comfortable about this, and I will be just happy if we can achieve these points."

The MotoGP concession system stipulates that Group D manufacturers have the freedom to develop and introduce new engines throughout the season. Other manufacturers are required to adhere to a fixed engine specification from the start of the season. However, with MotoGP transitioning to new 850cc engines in 2027, Marini downplayed the significance of losing engine development freedom for the 2026 season.

"For 2026, the engine is not going [to change much]. The engine is this [spec] now, there is no more meaning to invest so much time and money on the new [2026] engine," he said. "I think we can be satisfied [with the engine we have now]. We will just ask some more little details on the engine for the Sepang test in winter, and then I think it will be the same."

Joan Mir echoed Marini’s sentiments, viewing the potential loss of Group D concessions as a reward for the dedication and hard work of the Honda staff in revitalizing the MotoGP project.

"If in the future, we don’t have concessions, it is because we deserve it. That’s the reality," Mir stated. "We were in a moment where we didn’t know what to do to be fast. Now, I think we found that correct line – that road, which is very long, but with work and everything, we can improve our actual package. I think that we are on the way. It’s true that the concessions played a big role in the last few years. But if we don’t have it in the future, it will be nothing but good news for us."

Honda’s Recent Performance and Championship Standings

Honda’s improved performance in the 2024 season is a stark contrast to its struggles in previous years. The team has faced significant challenges in adapting to the evolving technical landscape of MotoGP and maintaining competitiveness against European manufacturers like Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia.

French Grand Prix: Honda’s victory in the French Grand Prix, albeit in wet conditions, marked a significant milestone and provided a much-needed confidence boost for the team.
Silverstone, Motegi, Sepang: The podium finishes at these races demonstrated Honda’s ability to perform consistently in dry conditions, highlighting the progress made in chassis and engine development.

As of the Valencia Grand Prix, Honda’s riders occupy the following positions in the championship standings:

Luca Marini: [Insert Current Championship Position and Points]
Joan Mir: [Insert Current Championship Position and Points]

These standings reflect the overall improvement in Honda’s performance, although the team still faces a considerable gap to the leading riders and manufacturers in the championship.

The MotoGP Concession System: A Detailed Overview

The MotoGP concession system was reintroduced to help manufacturers struggling to compete with the dominant forces in the championship. The system is designed to provide additional resources and development opportunities to teams that meet specific performance criteria.

The key benefits of Group D status include:

Unlimited Engine Development: Manufacturers can introduce new engine specifications throughout the season without restrictions.
Increased Testing Opportunities: Teams have access to additional private testing days to develop and refine their motorcycles.
Wildcard Entries: Manufacturers can field wildcard riders at selected races to gather data and evaluate new components.

The concession system is reviewed and adjusted based on manufacturers’ performance, ensuring that the benefits are targeted towards teams that require assistance in improving their competitiveness.

The 2027 Regulation Changes: A Shift in MotoGP’s Technical Landscape

The upcoming regulation changes for the 2027 season will introduce significant alterations to the technical specifications of MotoGP motorcycles. The most notable change is the reduction in engine capacity from 1000cc to 850cc. This change is intended to improve safety, reduce fuel consumption, and promote closer racing.

Other key changes include:

Aerodynamic Restrictions: Stricter regulations on aerodynamic devices to reduce reliance on downforce and improve overtaking opportunities.
Standardized Electronics: Increased standardization of electronic components to level the playing field and reduce development costs.
Sustainable Fuels: Introduction of sustainable fuels to reduce the environmental impact of MotoGP.

These changes will require manufacturers to develop entirely new motorcycles and adapt their engineering strategies to the new technical landscape. The transition to the 2027 regulations presents both challenges and opportunities for all teams in the championship.

Honda’s Future Prospects: Navigating the Road Ahead

Despite the potential loss of concessions, Honda remains committed to its MotoGP program and determined to return to the forefront of the championship. The team has invested heavily in its engineering infrastructure and rider lineup, and it is focused on developing a competitive motorcycle for the 2027 regulations.

Key areas of focus for Honda include:

Engine Development: Optimizing the performance of the 850cc engine to deliver competitive power and fuel efficiency.
Chassis Development: Improving the handling and stability of the motorcycle to enhance rider confidence and performance.
Aerodynamic Optimization: Developing effective aerodynamic solutions that comply with the new regulations.
Rider Development: Supporting and nurturing its riders to maximize their potential and contribute to the team’s success.

Honda’s riders’ positive outlook on potentially losing concessions reflects the growing confidence within the team. While the concessions have undoubtedly been helpful, the riders see their improved performance as a result of hard work and progress, suggesting a more sustainable and competitive future for Honda in MotoGP. The Valencia finale will be a crucial test of this progress, and the outcome will determine Honda’s path forward into the 2026 season and beyond.