Are Honda and Yamaha making progress in MotoGP? This is the question we have been asking since yesterday, through a retrospective evoking the evolution of the results of the two largest manufacturers in motorcycling history in 2024. In order to understand the ins and outs of this second part, we invite you to find the first part by clicking here.
After looking into the Honda case yesterday, now back to Yamaha.
Similar observation
The same logic applies as for the brand with the golden wing, this season was much worse than the previous one, which itself was worse than the previous one, which itself… you get the point. We are witnessing an undeniable regression since 2021. Quartararo has a lot of merit, and it's true that he was quite fast at the end of the year with frequent appearances in Q2 accompanied by some very good races, notably this Malaysian GP where we knew he was comfortable.
Many talk to me about the benefits of having a second team, but Petronas Yamaha SRT/RNF did not prevent Yamaha from going under. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
But many seem to forget that last year, “El Diablo” was on the podium twice at the end of a Grand Prix, and that in Indonesia, he had not come far from victory! This season, the gap with Ducati was such that he was never in a position to finish in the top 3 in a Sunday race, it was simply impossible. What can we say about Rins, who adapted perfectly to the Honda in a few races, and who did nothing all year?
Has his talent completely disappeared since 2022 and his two almost consecutive victories at the end of the season?
I don't believe it.
All the mathematical facts show a regression, and a very salty one. But maybe there's still hope.
The power of words
At Honda like Yamaha, we say that things are changing. It's true, in a sense. The Italian engineers are working hard in the two boxes, and, Honda, Japanese pride aside, recruited one to the most important position in his organization. Drivers, like Quartararo for example, talk about dynamics, “steps forward”, a better mentality. Zarco had more or less the same speech, just like Luca Marini. After all, it's probably right, but it remains words, opinions, reactions.
Fabio is carrying the project alone, and I doubt that will change with Oliveira and Miller. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
As long as Quarta' does not move up in the rankings,
it will only remain words, however true they may be. Half a season will never be enough to prove that a concept is good, let alone a race; so there is still room before shouting for the return of the king. I am in no way denying the work force of two of the most successful companies in motorcycling history, but I always preferred numbers to letters when it came to information.
We must be very attentive at the start of the year, because it is only there (not during winter tests) that we will be able to actually see progress or not compared to the rest of the competition, because that's all that matters. Then, afterwards, we will have to wait another good year to convince ourselves of the validity of a technical direction started previously. In a word, patience.
I'm curious to know if you share my opinion regarding the supposed progress of the Japanese in MotoGP. So tell me in the comments!
As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial staff.
Jack Miller, the key to the enigma? Hard to say. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
