Honda Sees Positive Signs in Limited Valencia MotoGP Testing

Honda has indicated that while their testing program at Valencia this week was limited in scope, the data gathered suggests their development trajectory is moving in a favorable direction. Despite not having a completely redesigned motorcycle to evaluate at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, the Japanese manufacturer focused on assessing new components designed to enhance the RC213V for the final year of the current technical regulations era.

The testing activities followed the Valencia Grand Prix, the concluding race of the 2024 MotoGP season, where Honda riders experienced mixed results. Joan Mir, Luca Marini, and Johann Zarco, representing the factory Repsol Honda team and the LCR Honda satellite team, participated in the post-race testing. The primary objective was to validate new solutions and gather crucial data to guide development during the winter break.

Alberto Puig, Honda’s team manager, conveyed optimism regarding the test’s outcome, noting that the limited number of new parts brought to Valencia performed as expected. "The truth is it was a productive day, a bit short because of the damp track in the morning, but positive," Puig told DAZN, a Spanish broadcaster. "We didn’t have much to test – two or three things, not much – but everything we fitted seems to work. In principle, the direction is good and we’re happy."

The focus of the test centered on improving grip, a persistent challenge for Honda throughout the 2024 season. Puig elaborated that engineers tested various chassis configurations to address this issue. While refraining from divulging specific details about the updates, Puig emphasized that the positive results provide a solid foundation for future development.

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"The goal was to try to gain grip, and we tested quite a few different things on the chassis," he stated. "I’m not going into details, but I’ll say again that the direction is good, and it gives you a certain reference heading into the winter. Knowing that what you test works, and being able to follow a line of development, makes it easier for whatever comes next to follow the same path toward what’s good, which is nothing other than having a bike capable of fighting with the top manufacturers."

The limited nature of the test contrasts with the extensive development program Honda has undertaken in preparation for the 2026 season, which will see the introduction of new technical regulations, including a reduction in engine capacity from 1000cc to 850cc and the mandated use of sustainable fuels. Aleix Espargaro, leading Honda’s test team, has been actively involved in evaluating the 2026-spec RC213V, including a recent private test at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.

Honda’s MotoGP performance in recent years has been a subject of considerable scrutiny. The team’s last MotoGP World Championship title came in 2019 with Marc Marquez, and since then, they have struggled to maintain competitiveness against European rivals such as Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia. The 2024 season saw Honda make strides in closing the performance gap, culminating in a victory at the French Grand Prix, courtesy of Marquez, and podium finishes at Silverstone, Motegi, and Sepang.

These improvements have resulted in Honda losing its Group D concessions, a system designed to provide struggling manufacturers with additional testing opportunities, increased tire allocation, and wildcard entries. Puig acknowledged that while losing these concessions means fewer benefits, it is a positive indicator of the progress the team has made.

"That’s why it’s so important that what we tested in Valencia worked," he said. "If you climb up the concessions ranking, logically you get fewer benefits, but we’re happy about that because it means we’ve made progress. It would have been much worse if nothing we tested had worked."

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Honda has set ambitious goals, with Puig stating the team aims to consistently finish inside the top five every weekend. "We’ve improved, that’s obvious; the bike has gained power. Now we need to try to find consistency in the results," Puig explained. "Thinking about a top five would be a good objective. We need to be consistent without the riders having to push at the limit every lap, because that leads to crashes and problems in qualifying. If we can get a bike that can be regularly among the top five or six in qualifying and in the race, that would be another very important step for next year."

Honda’s commitment to nurturing young talent is exemplified by the signing of Diogo Moreira, the reigning Moto2 champion. Puig was instrumental in bringing Moreira to the LCR Honda team, replacing Idemitsu-backed Asian riders. Reflecting on Moreira’s first experience on a MotoGP bike in Valencia, Puig emphasized the steep learning curve involved in transitioning to the premier class.

"The first day on a MotoGP bike is very complicated – it can be hell. The bike is very powerful; we already warned him to take it easy, as he’ll also have to do in next year’s Sepang test," Puig said. "A category change is not easy. But any rider who arrives as world champion hasn’t won that by chance. He’s young, ambitious, and I’m sure that, with time, he’ll move upwards."

The Valencia test also provided an opportunity for other MotoGP teams to evaluate new components and rider lineups. Notably, Toprak Razgatlioglu, the 2021 World Superbike champion, made his debut with the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, while several riders tested with new teams following the conclusion of the 2024 season.

As the MotoGP paddock enters the winter break, teams will analyze the data gathered during the Valencia test and work on further developments in preparation for the 2025 season, which is set to commence in March with the Qatar Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit. The upcoming season promises to be a highly competitive one, with several teams making significant changes to their rider lineups and technical configurations.

Honda faces a critical period of development as they strive to regain their position as a leading force in MotoGP. The positive signs from the Valencia test, coupled with their ongoing efforts to develop a competitive 2026-spec machine, suggest that the Japanese manufacturer is committed to returning to the forefront of the sport.