In a context where Ducati dominates the discussions, Honda seems to be doubling down on efforts to regain its former glory. With the stated goal of “winning as soon as possible,” the Japanese manufacturer aims to capitalise on its technical and sporting advancements. But in this whirlwind of competitions, is it enough to impose itself against increasingly sharp rivals?
A Promising Test in Malaysia
The scene opens on a Malaysian circuit where, last Tuesday, Joan Mir managed to set a time that made waves: 1’56″874. While Ducati continues to showcase its power, this time was perceived as a true event by Honda, whose current situation is both delicate and full of hope. Indeed, while Yamaha seems to be plagued by doubts, Honda navigates between the optimism of a new start and the challenges posed by competition. The brand with the golden wing finds itself at a crossroads, with encouraging results but still some questions lingering.
Encouraging Results but Persistent Challenges
Honda has taken a significant step in 2025, stepping out of the concession group. This means less technical freedom for this season, but also an opportunity to implement lessons learned from past performances. The podium finishes obtained last autumn, while valuable, were just the beginning of a more ambitious quest: to achieve regular victory. During the French GP, Johann Zarco offered a glimmer of hope, but this success materialised under atypical weather conditions.
To find stable victory, one must go back to 2021 and the triumphs of Marc Márquez on the RC213V. A glorious past that motivates the team to get back on track. Alberto Puig, the team manager, displays palpable satisfaction after these first tests of the year. According to him, the RC213V has shown notable progress, thus consolidating the development base initiated in previous years.
Alberto Puig’s Words: Between Hope and Realism
Alberto Puig’s words are always carefully chosen. At the end of the test, he emphasized: “We are very satisfied because we have made a lot of progress on the bike.” He mentions notable improvements that do not revolutionise the machine but provide a noticeable boost. “It’s not huge, but small things that translate into better overall performance.”
Joan Mir (Honda HRC)
However, not everything is rosy. Despite advancements, the riders, including Joan Mir, have reported a persistent gap compared to the best. The test revealed that Honda was still ranked third among the brands, nearly five tenths behind Ducati’s reference and three tenths behind Aprilia. In terms of race pace, Honda still needs to catch up with its competitors. The real question remains: will the RC213V be able to resolve its eternal rear grip issue that has penalised its riders for too long?
An Uncertain Future
Alberto Puig did not shy away from this issue during an interview with DAZN. He stated: “We have seen a clear improvement in almost all areas.” It’s a message of hope, but also of caution. The goal is clear: to aim for positions among the top six or seven regularly and to fight for podiums. “The riders themselves bring you back to reality,” Puig specifies, aware that the road to the top is fraught with obstacles.
A Decisive Season Ahead
This 2025 season promises to be decisive for Honda. With a team that seems motivated and an engine in the process of improvement, the brand must now prove that it can compete in the long term with the other giants of MotoGP. It will be a season where every race counts, and where every point earned will be vital to reclaim a demanding audience. Observers will have their eyes fixed on Honda to see if it can turn its promises into tangible results.
