Honda have just done something for the first time ever to send ‘clear message’ to MotoGP rivals

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Honda will launch their 2025 MotoGP bike at the end of the month. With a formidable behind-the-scenes team assembled, they’re hoping to take a significant step forward.

Honda are the most successful team in the history of MotoGP, but they were the slowest last year. The factory team finished bottom of the championship behind LCR, while none of their riders placed higher than 17th individually.

They’ve strengthened their testing team with the acquisition of Aleix Espargaro, a three-time premier-class winner with over 250 starts. Espargaro will help to develop the bike, along with Stefan Bradl and Takaaki Nakagami.

Given Honda’s resources and prestige, it seems only a matter of time before they return to the front of the field. But many big names across motorsports have fallen foul of such thinking.

The 2027 regulation changes could see the grid reshuffle. But the bosses in Asaka won’t want to wait that long to see clear progress.

Speaking to Motosan, Bradl offered a preview of the season ahead. He’s set to take on fewer responsibilities this year following the arrival of Espargaro.

Honda are ready to ‘move forward’ after landing Romano Albesiano from Aprilia

Honda made arguably the biggest off-track signing of 2024 by poaching Romano Albesiano from Aprilia. Albesiano had been with the Italian squad for more than 10 years, having replaced Luigi Dall’Igna.

He has been instrumental in Aprilia’s rise up the MotoGP grid, to the point they were able to attract world champion Jorge Martin for 2025. They have also been at the forefront of aerodynamic innovation.

Honda redeployed Ken Kawauchi to the test team to make space for Albesiano, who will reunite with Espargaro. It’s the first time they have appointed a European engineer to a senior role.

According to Bradl, this highlights the team’s readiness to ‘move forward’. They’re willing to part with long-established working practices if it means an improvement in results.

“We’re all very attentive to what the new technical director can bring,” he said. “It’s the first time that Honda has given this role to a European, which is a clear message that they want to move forward.

“Right now, they’re working very hard at the factory to build the bikes. But it’s a process that takes time.”

Stefan Bradl has already made a worrying admission about Honda’s 2025 MotoGP bike

Albesiano was able to start work last week, avoiding a lengthy gardening period. However, the 2025 bike may be too advanced in its development for him to make a significant impact before the season opener in Thailand.

There are three weeks to go until the shakedown test, with the first pre-season test to follow a week later. Albesiano’s influence may be more evident in the second half of 2025, leading into 2026.

As it stands, Johann Zarco says Honda’s 2025 bike is worse than its predecessor. If true, that would almost certainly condemn them to a repeat of last year’s championship showing.

Espargaro quickly complained about Honda’s balance after his first test outing, Bradl says. And because that’s a general problem rather than a specific issue, it could take a long time to address.