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Honda MotoGP shows progress with RC213V upgrades

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Honda’s MotoGP team sees improvement with RC213V upgrades ahead of the 2025 season.

Joan Mir of Spain and Honda HRC Castrol looks on in the box during the Thailand MotoGP Test at Chang International Circuit on February 13, 2025, in Buriram, Thailand. Photo by Mirco Lazzari/Getty Images
Joan Mir of Spain and Honda HRC Castrol looks on in the box during the Thailand MotoGP Test at Chang International Circuit on February 13, 2025, in Buriram, Thailand. Photo by Mirco Lazzari/Getty Images

By Hayu Andini and Sarah Oktaviany

Honda enters the 2025 MotoGP season with renewed optimism, signaling progress after a difficult 2024 campaign. The latest RC213V prototype has shown notable improvements during winter testing, bringing Honda closer to the premier class elite. Instead of lagging behind, the team aims to be competitive once again.

Restructuring and key personnel changes

The off-season saw significant changes within Honda, not only in its rider lineup but also in technical leadership. The newly branded Castrol HRC Honda team retains Joan Mir and Luca Marini, while Johann Zarco remains with LCR Honda. Moto2 graduate Somkiat Chantra makes history as the first Thai rider in MotoGP, joining LCR Honda and adding emotional significance to the season opener in Buriram.

Takaaki Nakagami, despite losing his seat, remains a key figure as a test rider. According to Luca Marini, Nakagami’s ability to communicate with Japanese engineers plays a crucial role in development. "Taka will be the key to success," Marini emphasized, highlighting the importance of clear feedback in refining the RC213V.

Another major addition is Aleix Espargaró, whose experience is expected to be invaluable. His presence complements the arrival of Romano Albesiano, the former head of development at Aprilia Racing. Albesiano’s expertise in aerodynamics and chassis development is seen as a significant boost to Honda’s technical direction.

Overcoming past struggles

Honda remains the most successful brand in MotoGP history, but a sharp decline in performance since mid-2023 relegated the team to outsider status. In 2025, Honda starts at the lowest of four concession levels, alongside Yamaha, allowing greater freedom in development and testing. The engine freeze until 2026 does not apply to Honda, giving it an opportunity to catch up with Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia.

Despite the challenges, Honda’s restructuring efforts are already yielding results. Across five official test days in Sepang and Buriram, at least one Honda rider posted competitive lap times, demonstrating improvements in the latest RC213V’s specification.

Winter testing signals progress

Honda’s testing program focused on refining a new engine, a slightly modified chassis, and improved aerodynamics. The combined package delivered encouraging results, particularly in terms of lap times and overall rideability.

Luca Marini showed the most significant progress. After struggling throughout the 2024 season, he adapted well to the new Honda setup. On the opening day of testing in Buriram, he finished fourth, just 0.27 seconds off the pace. By the end of testing, Marini ranked 14th overall, ahead of Johann Zarco, while Joan Mir impressed with a sixth-place finish.

Newcomer Somkiat Chantra, despite being expected to struggle with the demanding RC213V, performed admirably. Although 1.6 seconds off the pace of the MotoGP elite, he completed testing without crashes or injuries, steadily improving his performance.

A new outlook for Honda in 2025

The 2024 MotoGP season was a struggle for Honda, but its prospects for 2025 are much brighter. One week before the season opener in Thailand, HRC’s renewed efforts have already led to measurable progress in testing.

While Honda will start the season at the back of the grid alongside Yamaha, the performance gap to Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM has narrowed. This gives Honda a reason for cautious optimism as it prepares for the first race in Buriram, aiming to reestablish itself as a serious contender in the MotoGP championship.

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