You couldn’t have missed the news that could shift the balance on the grid: Honda will change its technical director at the end of the year, and for the first time, the high-responsibility position will not be not entrusted to a Japanese in MotoGP. It’s a real tidal wave, which only confirms the Europeanization of our sport. What do you think? How will the firm with its golden wings evolve, and above all, can it regain its former glory? Here we go for a little analysis.
An Italian accent
When we say that MotoGP is turning more towards the old continent, it is, in fact, Spain and Italy. From Spain for the pilots, who arrive in large numbers, without stopping, from Italy for the motorcycles and the best engineers. The case of Romano Albesiano is quite interesting, because this man in the shadows is the very incarnation of this new wave.
Only Maverick Vinales is surviving, and even then, he himself doesn’t know how he managed to qualify his Aprilia on the front row. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Albesiano, one of the most important figures in the Aprilia program for more than ten years, has helped the rise of the Noale firm. This was done in two stages. First, the beginnings under the aegis of the Gresini team, with measured success, and then, the emancipation of the brand from 2022. The successes came at that time. Today, the RS-GP has reached a glass ceiling. She is no longer progressing, and above all, can no longer keep up with the Ducati Desmosedici GP24, which she nevertheless kept in check at the start of the season. It is in this context that Albesiano is leaving to join Honda. Like Yamaha before them with Max Bartolini (former Ducati executive), they relegated their Japanese mastermind Ken Kawauchi to the test team.
Is this a good decision? In my opinion, yes, obviously. We have to get up to speed and Honda is far too far away to afford to lose another year, especially since we have to prepare for 2027 with the greatest attention. This Europeanization proved unsuccessful with Kalex, but the recruitment of a new technical director is ideal for bringing a breath of fresh air. Just look at what Gigi Dall’Igna has managed to do with Ducati. From what the professionals say, Albesiano is one of the best, so it’s definitely a good choice.
Patience
Make no mistake: as with Dall’Igna, it will take time. As a reminder, the genius with the single-eyebrow arrived at Ducati in 2013, and it was not until 2018, 2019, or even 2020 that the Desmosedici became the best bike on the grid. Of course, Honda has colossal resources, but the descent into hell of the Japanese institution proves that that is not everything. The important thing is to have a direction, a project, led by determined troops. This also involves recruiting capable pilots, another problematic subjectalways according to me.
This waiting time could be reduced by the context: since the introduction of the single ECU in 2016, it is “easier” to be very competitive quickly. KTM and Suzuki are two great examples. In addition, the new regulations which will appear in three years will undoubtedly level the playing field, at least that is what we hope.
This pattern does not necessarily hold true on a historical scale..
Last point which will convince you not to set yourself on fire. As Johann Zarco rightly pointed out, Romano Albesiano arrives alone. The Honda box is not going to start singing Italian classics out of thin air. The recruitment of Albesiano must be seen as a starting point, a true renewal, the beginning of a new era. The defection of Repsol for the years to come also goes in this direction. If it’s to do “like the others” and the Italian can’t implement his plan, I don’t see the point.
Johann Zarco is a cornerstone of this project. His opinion was rather reserved, he is undoubtedly right. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
To succeed, Honda must not only Europeanize itself, but also “de-Japanize” itself.. And it’s very sad.
Damage
Could this be a real episode of Let’s talk MotoGP
without yet another nostalgic lament? I’m sorry to be a prisoner of my romanticized imagination, but I find it so sad that Honda is forced to deny its origins. As I said above, I do not dispute the relevance of this decision, it is good on all levels. Besides, in the paddock, everyone is unanimous on this subject.
I simply find it a shame to witness the fall of a country, because Honda is Japan, much more than Yamaha. Culturally, it is much stronger on the Japanese archipelago. And then, Yamaha, in its history in Grands Prix, had already called on European and American elites to lead its program. But with Honda it’s different; don’t ask me why, just a feeling.
This decision, even if it brings good things, only confirms my analysis on the situation in Japan which I published at the very start of the 2023 season. I invite you to click here to find it, it hasn’t aged a bit.
I’m curious what you think of the situation –
and why not, from my paper – in comments!
As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.
Aleix Espargaro, who will leave for Honda, is very happy with this news, for his future employer, but also for Aprilia. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
