Honda enters the 2025 MotoGP year with a palpable sense of urgency, following a series of disappointing campaigns culminating in a podium-less 2024 season. However, promising signs of improvement and strategic additions to the team give reason to hope for a more competitive future. Here is an overview of the situation and prospects for Honda in 2025.
After three years without a triumph and a first season without the slightest podium since the modern era, Honda and its RC213V seem to have hit rock bottom. But, as they say, the darkest night precedes the brightest dawn.
At the end of the 2024 season, glimmers of hope pierced the darkness. A new aerodynamic package has transformed the beast into a more agile creature, allowing Johann Zarco of LCR to draw a higher horizon line to Honda in Thailand. Now the objective is clear: to surpass the 100 point mark in the manufacturers' standings, a feat which seems within reach thanks to the experience of Joan Mir, Luca Marini et
Zarco.
The good news? The new technical director,
Albesian Romanbrings with him ideas that have already made him shine Apriliawhile the expertise ofAleix Espargaró as a test pilot promises to shake things up. With these pieces of the puzzle in place, there is reason to hope that Honda ends 2025 with a burst of optimism, as long as they manage to regularly put a motorcycle in the top 10.
Luca Marini: « Honda made more improvements than Yamaha to its MotoGP bike in 2024 »
Luca Marinispeaking on the year's progress, said: “ Honda made more improvements than Yamaha to its MotoGP bike in 2024but they started from a much higher point'. »
2024 was a year where the two Japanese giants struggled to shine, without a single podium to their name across 20 races.
Yamaha certainly finished with 49 points ahead of
Hondamore Marini remains convinced: “ we were always one step behind, because
they started from a point much higher than us. We won a lot, we reduced the gap but
we are still not at the same level as them. And I also think that they evolved the bike during the season. »
He added with renewed confidence: “ I will be stronger in 2025 as a Honda driver.. Since the day I arrived at this factory, I have seen many changes and this year even more changes will happen. It gives me positive vibes. »
So, with a mixture of acquired wisdom and new ideas,
Honda could well be about to rise from the ashes in 2025, ready to take flight towards the heights of MotoGP.
