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VALENCIA, Spain – Honda riders Luca Marini and Joan Mir have expressed optimism about the prospect of the factory losing its access to the most advantageous MotoGP concessions in the upcoming 2025 season, despite the potential implications for the development of the RC213V motorcycle.
Honda, along with Yamaha, currently benefits from Group D status under the revised MotoGP concession system. This system grants manufacturers facing performance challenges additional allowances in areas such as testing opportunities, engine allocation, and wildcard entries.
The Sakura-based manufacturer has strategically utilized these allowances to rebound from its most significant slump in MotoGP history. The team secured a victory at the rain-affected French Grand Prix and achieved dry-weather podium finishes at Silverstone, Motegi, and Sepang.
This progress, however, has triggered a consequence: Honda is on the verge of relinquishing its Group D concessions for the 2026 season. To avoid this, they need to score nine more points at the Valencia finale. Failing to do so would place them in the same tier as KTM and Aprilia next year.
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Marini emphasized that Honda had set a goal to move out of Group D by the end of the year, noting that the extensive testing allowances also place additional demands on the riders.
"It’s fantastic. This is a target that we have had since mid-season," said the Italian rider. "From mid-season, we saw that it could be possible to change the rank, and everybody was pushing so hard to achieve this."
"Also, for us as factory riders, to have fewer events would be nice, because in these two years, we used so much energy out 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."
"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."
Group D manufacturers have the freedom to develop and introduce new engines during the season, while other manufacturers must adhere to the same specifications as part of an engine freeze agreement for the start of the 2025 season.
With MotoGP transitioning to new 850cc power units in 2027, Marini indicated that losing development freedom for 2026 is not a primary concern.
"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."
Mir, who has experienced a resurgence in the second half of the season, concurred that losing Group D concessions would be a reward for the Honda staff who have worked diligently to revitalize its struggling MotoGP project.
"If in the future we don’t have concessions, it is because we deserve it. That’s the reality," he said.
"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."
Background on MotoGP Concessions
The concession system was reintroduced to MotoGP to provide struggling manufacturers with the tools and resources necessary to become more competitive. The system is based on a points system, with manufacturers earning points based on their performance throughout the season. The more points a manufacturer earns, the fewer concessions they receive.
The benefits of Group D concessions include:
- Unlimited testing with contracted riders
- Six wildcard entries per season
- Engine development freeze exceptions, allowing for engine upgrades during the season
- Increased engine allocation
These concessions are designed to help manufacturers improve their bikes and close the gap to the frontrunners.
Honda’s Recent Performance
Honda has struggled in recent years, with its last championship victory coming in 2019 with Marc Marquez. The team has faced challenges with the performance and handling of its RC213V bike.
The introduction of the concession system has provided Honda with the opportunity to make significant changes to its bike and development program. The team has used the additional testing and engine development allowances to improve the performance of the RC213V.
The results of these efforts have been evident in recent races, with Honda securing a victory at the French Grand Prix and several podium finishes. These results have put Honda on the verge of losing its Group D concessions.
Implications of Losing Concessions
Losing Group D concessions would have several implications for Honda. The team would no longer be able to conduct unlimited testing with its contracted riders. It would also be limited to three wildcard entries per season and would be subject to the engine development freeze.
These restrictions could make it more difficult for Honda to continue to improve its bike and close the gap to the frontrunners. However, as Marini and Mir have stated, the team believes that it has made significant progress and is on the right track, even without the full benefit of the concessions.
Looking Ahead
The final race of the season in Valencia will be crucial for Honda. The team needs to score nine more points to avoid losing its Group D concessions.
Regardless of the outcome in Valencia, Honda is committed to continuing its development program and improving the performance of the RC213V. The team believes that it has the talent and resources to compete at the highest level of MotoGP.
The riders’ positive outlook on potentially losing concessions suggests a shift in the team’s mindset. They view it as a sign of progress and a testament to the hard work of the entire Honda team. This confidence could be a significant factor as they continue to develop and refine their machine for the upcoming seasons, particularly with the major regulation changes slated for 2027.
The 2024 season has been a year of rebuilding for Honda, and the potential loss of concessions is seen as a step in the right direction, indicating that the team is moving towards a more competitive future.
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