After a year like 2023, surely the only way is up for Honda. The early stages of this season have demonstrated the Japanese factory is facing a long and complicated road back to the top of MotoGP. But at least the world’s biggest motorcycle manufacturer has shown initiative and direction in recent months.
All that was seriously lacking this time last year. Whether it was Marc Marquez’s decision to leave the grid’s most successful team for Ducati’s third satellite squad, Joan Mir considering retirement after just a handful of rounds on the RC213V, or Alex Rins – the sole rider to win for Honda through all of last year – slipping through their fingers, 2023 was painful viewing for anyone associated with HRC. The manufacturer lurched from one crisis to another.
Such situations raised serious questions regarding its MotoGP future. Yet HRC president Koji Watanabe reconfirmed his commitment to the class last summer. While they were unable to convince Marquez to stay, new concessions have granted Honda unlimited testing in 2024. Now its engine and aerodynamics can be developed throughout the season, a freedom not enjoyed by MotoGP’s leading factories, an opportunity awaits.
“For six years I didn’t see anything like the commitment they’re showing now,” said one figure
