alina mayaVALENCIA, Spain – Factory Honda’s aspirations to advance in the MotoGP concession standings suffered a significant setback during the Saturday sprint race at the Valencia Grand Prix, as Joan Mir’s crash took out his teammate Luca Marini, jeopardizing the team’s chances of escaping Group D concessions. The incident leaves Honda with a narrow path to secure the necessary points in Sunday’s Valencian Grand Prix, where Mir will also face a long lap penalty.
Entering the final weekend of the season, Honda aimed to accumulate nine points across the Valencia sprint and main race to move into Group C concessions. The MotoGP concession system, revised for the 2024 season, categorizes manufacturers into four groups (A to D) based on performance metrics, such as podiums and race wins, over specified periods. These groups dictate the level of developmental freedom and testing opportunities afforded to each manufacturer.
Honda, currently in Group D, faces the most restrictive regulations. Escaping this group would grant them greater latitude in testing and development, crucial for improving their competitiveness in the premier class. However, only the highest-placed Honda in each race counts towards their points total for concession purposes.
The situation unraveled early in the sprint race. Mir, who qualified 10th, lost ground on the opening lap, dropping behind Marini, who started 13th. As both riders found themselves outside the points-scoring positions, Mir attempted to recover lost ground at the start of the second lap. In his effort to move forward, Mir lost control of his bike and crashed, colliding with Marini and forcing both riders out of the race.
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"It’s something that you never want to happen," Mir stated following the incident. "I’m sorry for him, I’m sorry for the team because it’s not something that I’m used to doing, things like this. It was my mistake, but it was not a crazy maneuver."
The zero-point result from both factory riders placed additional pressure on LCR Honda’s Johann Zarco to salvage the situation. Zarco, however, finished just outside the points in 10th, failing to compensate for the factory team’s misfortune. The other LCR Honda rider, Somkiat Chantra, is considered a long shot to secure the required points on Sunday. Furthermore, wildcard rider Aleix Espargaro is ineligible to score points, leaving Honda with limited options.
The onus now falls on Mir, Marini, or Zarco to achieve at least a seventh-place finish in the main race. Mir’s long lap penalty complicates his chances, adding an extra layer of difficulty to an already challenging situation.
Honda’s current predicament stands in stark contrast to Mir’s past success at the Valencia circuit, where he clinched his MotoGP world title in 2020. While the stakes are different this time, the pressure to secure the necessary points for improved concessions adds an unexpected element of tension to Honda’s weekend.
"If you asked me on Thursday if there would be a problem to make nine points or something like this, I would have said, ‘probably not,’" Mir admitted. "But now I have to do a good race tomorrow to try to lose [concessions]. This weekend, we’ve had more problems than we expected. Myself, my teammates, we are struggling more than we expected on this track. That’s the reality."
Both Honda’s factory riders and HRC team boss Alberto Puig have emphasized their desire to escape Group D concessions, despite the reduced testing and development freedom this would entail. The team views improved concessions as a crucial step in their efforts to regain competitiveness and challenge for race wins and championships.
Background on MotoGP Concessions
The MotoGP concession system is designed to level the playing field by providing struggling manufacturers with additional resources and opportunities to improve their bikes. The revised system for 2024 introduces a more dynamic and responsive approach, adjusting concessions based on real-time performance.
The system classifies manufacturers into four groups based on the following criteria:
- Group A: Manufacturers with the most success, subject to the strictest regulations.
- Group B: Manufacturers with moderate success, subject to fewer restrictions than Group A.
- Group C: Manufacturers with limited success, granted more developmental freedom than Groups A and B.
- Group D: Manufacturers with the least success, receiving the most significant concessions.
The concessions include:
- Testing Restrictions: Groups A and B face limitations on the number of test days and the tracks where they can test. Groups C and D have greater freedom in testing.
- Engine Development: Groups A and B face restrictions on engine development during the season, while Groups C and D have more flexibility.
- Aerodynamic Updates: Groups A and B face limitations on the number of aerodynamic updates they can introduce, while Groups C and D have more freedom.
- Wildcard Entries: Groups C and D are allowed more wildcard entries, providing additional opportunities to gather data and test new components.
The goal of the concession system is to provide struggling manufacturers with the tools they need to catch up to the frontrunners, ultimately leading to a more competitive and exciting MotoGP championship.
Honda’s Recent Struggles
Honda’s current position in Group D reflects their recent struggles in MotoGP. The team has faced challenges in developing a competitive bike, resulting in a lack of race wins and podium finishes.
In the 2023 season, Honda has yet to secure a race win, and their riders have struggled to consistently challenge for podiums. The team’s highest-placed rider in the championship standings is currently outside the top 10, highlighting the extent of their difficulties.
The departure of Marc Marquez from Honda at the end of the 2023 season further compounds the team’s challenges. Marquez, a six-time MotoGP world champion, has been a key figure in Honda’s success over the past decade. His move to Gresini Ducati leaves a significant void in the team’s rider lineup and developmental efforts.
Upcoming Valencia Grand Prix
The Valencia Grand Prix marks the final race of the 2023 MotoGP season. The main race is scheduled for Sunday, with the following Honda riders participating:
- Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team)
- Luca Marini (Repsol Honda Team)
- Johann Zarco (LCR Honda)
- Somkiat Chantra (LCR Honda)
- Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing – Wildcard)
Honda’s performance in the Valencia Grand Prix will determine their final position in the MotoGP concession standings for the 2024 season. The team faces a challenging task to secure the necessary points to escape Group D, but they remain determined to improve their competitiveness and return to the front of the grid.
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