Honda Acknowledges Ducati's Continued Dominance in MotoGP Amidst Recovery Efforts

Honda’s MotoGP Team Manager, Alberto Puig, has conceded that Ducati remains the benchmark in the premier motorcycle racing series, despite Honda’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its racing program. This acknowledgement comes as Honda emerges from a challenging period marked by significant setbacks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the prolonged absence of its star rider, Marc Marquez, who has since departed the team.

For the past five years, Honda has struggled to maintain its competitive edge, witnessing Ducati’s ascendancy and dominance in MotoGP. The Italian manufacturer has secured the last four consecutive titles, underscoring its technical prowess and operational efficiency. This period of Ducati supremacy has prompted Honda to undertake a comprehensive restructuring and rebuilding process, aimed at adapting to the evolving demands of modern MotoGP.

As part of its revitalization strategy, Honda has announced the signing of Diogo Moreira, a highly sought-after Moto2 rider, to its satellite LCR team for the upcoming season. Moreira’s arrival signals Honda’s commitment to nurturing young talent and injecting fresh energy into its racing program.

In an interview at the Sepang paddock, Puig discussed Honda’s resurgence, the rationale behind signing Moreira, and the evolving rider market, with an eye toward the 2027 season.

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"We identified Diogo during his Moto3 days," Puig explained. "This year, the opportunity presented itself to bring him on board. He is an emerging rider, exceptionally quick, and possesses a genuine chance of winning the Moto2 championship. He aligns perfectly with Honda’s philosophy. During our meetings with him, his agent, and his coach, I believe he understood the potential of our project for his career. He’s young, incredibly promising, skilled, and technically astute. For these reasons, we offered him a long-term contract spanning three years."

The MotoGP rider market is already beginning to stir with potential changes in 2027, prompting teams to identify potential targets. Puig acknowledged the unique challenges presented by the impending 2027 regulations, which include new technical specifications and a new tire supplier.

"The 2027 market will be somewhat unconventional due to the introduction of new regulations and a new tire supplier," Puig stated. "This will make it exceedingly difficult for riders to accurately assess which bike will offer the best performance guarantees. We’ll only have limited glimpses of these ‘new’ bikes during testing in 2026, and a true understanding of their performance will only emerge in February or March of 2027, when the season commences. The market will undoubtedly open early, and uncertainty will prevail."

Puig noted that the current rider landscape sees a clear understanding of which bikes offer a competitive advantage, but the regulatory changes could create an unpredictable scenario, potentially benefiting Honda.

"It could play in our favor," Puig admitted. "However, we must acknowledge that other manufacturers are not novices. Ducati, Aprilia, KTM, and Yamaha will all strive to build competitive bikes. While Honda’s legacy may carry weight, I cannot definitively say it guarantees the best riders. Top riders are acutely aware of their needs. Marc Marquez, for example, knew precisely what he sought when he joined Gresini. While Honda and Yamaha boast extensive histories, that doesn’t automatically guarantee attracting the best riders."

Amidst these strategic moves, the contracts of Joan Mir and Luca Marini are set to expire in 2026, adding another layer of complexity to Honda’s future rider lineup. The renewal of Johann Zarco’s contract through 2027 has raised eyebrows, given his status as the oldest rider on the grid. Puig distanced himself from the decision-making process behind Zarco’s contract extension, stating it was handled directly by Honda’s headquarters in Japan.

"I cannot provide an explanation as I was not involved in the operation," Puig clarified. "It was managed directly from Japan, and I was not part of it."

When pressed on the rationale behind extending the contract of the oldest rider on the grid for the longest duration, Puig reiterated his lack of involvement, directing inquiries to those who handled the negotiations.

Recent MotoGP races have sparked debate about Aprilia’s ability to challenge Ducati’s dominance. However, Puig maintains that Ducati remains the benchmark, citing its advanced technology and methodologies.

"For me, Ducati remains the benchmark," Puig emphasized. "This assessment is based on their technology and methodology, which are highly advanced. Aprilia has secured victories here and there, and on circuits that suit their bike, they are formidable, as they have demonstrated in the past. However, when evaluating the entire season, Ducati remains unmatched."

Despite acknowledging Ducati’s superiority, Puig highlighted the significant performance gains Honda has made compared to the previous year, suggesting that the team is on the path to recovery.

"I’m unsure if I would characterize it as an awakening, but we must remember our starting point," Puig stated. "We have lagged behind for several years. Last season signaled our intent to reverse this trend, and we are actively implementing changes, including bringing in new personnel, strengthening our base in Japan, and expanding our presence in Europe. Honda is a powerful company, and improvement was imperative. This transformation was necessary and is underway. Are we satisfied? Not at all. However, we are laying the groundwork, allocating human and financial resources, to compete for victories once again."

Puig also discussed Honda’s commitment to MotoGP, emphasizing the company’s racing DNA.

"We must remember that Honda’s DNA is rooted in racing," Puig explained. "Mr. Soichiro Honda began in competition; it was his passion. We have endured a difficult period, but we have worked diligently, and fortunately, there have been positive changes in Japan."

Puig acknowledged the need for Honda to adapt to modern times, emphasizing that things are no longer done as they were in the past. Honda introduced an engine update at Misano, marking a significant step forward. Puig confirmed that there is still untapped potential for further improvement.

"There is still room for improvement, yes," Puig stated.

The hiring of Kurt Trieb, an engine specialist from KTM, has been a topic of discussion, with speculation about its impact on Honda’s recent engine improvements. Puig clarified that the engine specification introduced at Misano was developed prior to Trieb’s arrival, and that Trieb is currently focused on the 850cc engine for 2027.

"An engine is developed months in advance, so the specification we introduced at Misano started being developed quite some time ago," Puig explained. "Kurt is now fully focused on the 850cc engine for 2027."

Honda’s efforts to regain its competitive edge in MotoGP are multifaceted, encompassing rider acquisitions, organizational restructuring, and technological advancements. While Puig acknowledges Ducati’s current dominance, he remains optimistic about Honda’s long-term prospects, emphasizing the company’s commitment to racing and its ongoing efforts to improve its performance. The coming seasons will reveal whether Honda can successfully challenge Ducati’s supremacy and re-establish itself as a leading force in MotoGP.