Japanese motorcycle giants Yamaha and Honda are facing growing difficulties in MotoGP. Livio Suppo, a key figure in the paddock, recently expressed his reservations about the progress made by these two manufacturers. His statements highlight the issues facing these historic brands.
Livius Suppoan experienced MotoGP figure, delivered a critical analysis of the 2024 season and the directions taken by certain manufacturers, notably
Yamaha et Honda. In an interview with Motosan,
Suppo expressed reservations about the technical development of Japanese motorcycles and questions about the role of
Albesian Roman chez Honda.
According to Suppo, Yamaha seems to be stagnating, despite the efforts made. “ I don't think Yamaha has taken a big step forward this season. They have Fabio Quartararo, an exceptional driver who sometimes makes a big difference. But if we only talk about the bike, even with all the work done and the involvement of Max Bartolini,
I don't see any significant progress.
»
Yamahawhich struggles to compete with European machines, remains dependent on the talent of
Quarterly. However, Suppo
believes that without a real technical revolution, the brand's results will continue to be limited.
The case of Honda also attracted mixed comments from Suppoparticularly on the arrival of
Albesian Romanformer key engineer ofAprilia. « At Honda they now have Albesiano, but it is not yet clear what exactly his role will be. »
Livius Suppo: with Japanese brands, it is often difficult to understand the hierarchy and the real influence of newcomers »
He compares this situation to the arrival of Ken Kawauchi chez Hondacoming from
Suzukiwhich did not have the expected impact. “ Ken Kawauchi was excellent at Suzuki, but at Honda nothing has changed. Although I greatly respect his work, it seems that he did not have the necessary influence. »
Suppo therefore expresses doubts about the capacity ofAlbesiano to transform the project
Honda. « With Japanese brands, it is often difficult to understand the hierarchy and the real influence of newcomers. »
On the other hand, Suppo salutes the organization ofApriliawhere the direction seems more structured. With the arrival of Paolo Sterlacchiniformer technical director of Ducati, Suppo believes thatAprilia has a clear vision of his leadership. “ In the case of Aprilia, it is easier to see who will be the real leader. This contrasts with Japanese brands, where this clarity is often lacking. »
Pour Livius SuppoYamaha and Honda remain behind, not only in terms of performance, but also in their internal organization. While European manufacturers like Ducati et Aprilia display a clear strategy and constant progress, the Japanese brands seem entangled in development plans which struggle to adapt to the current reality of MotoGP.
The arrival ofAlbesiano chez
Honda will be closely scrutinized in 2025, as will the capacity to
Yamaha to finally make up for its technical delay. But according to Suppowithout profound changes, these manufacturers could continue to suffer in the face of European domination.
