Marco Bezzecchi
The 2026 MotoGP Championship could mark a turning point for Honda after making progress with the RC213V during the offseason.
In recent years Honda have experienced some of their darkest days in MotoGP as they struggled compared to the rival European manufacturers.
However, a win at Le Mans as well as three further podiums at Silverstone, Motegi and Sepang during the 2025 season displayed the forward progress Honda had made.
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The 2026 Sepang MotoGP Test was set to be a crucial three days for Honda, as they were searching for further improvements after a positive 2025 campaign.
Honda are aiming to claim a MotoGP win in 2026 ‘as soon as possible’
The three days spent at the Sepang International Circuit were positive for the Japanese manufacturer, as they ended the pre-season test with factory rider Joan Mir inside the top five.
Although Honda did not overhaul their entire bike for 2026, they focused on the areas where improvements were most needed and have made a ‘significant’ step.
With better engine performance and a lighter bike, the Japanese manufacturer are now confident in their 2026 RC213V as their riders are happy with the bike and Honda now expect to win as soon as possible.
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Honda HRC Castrol Team Manager, Alberto Puig, told MotoGP.com, “We are very satisfied. We were able to make great progress with the bike. We worked on many small details that ultimately led to good results.
“The motorcycle isn’t a revolutionary innovation, but there have been improvements in the areas where we knew we needed to optimize it.
“The step we’ve taken overall is quite significant. The bike is working well, we’re now satisfied with the engine performance. The bike is lighter and better, we’re happy. But most importantly, the riders are happy. The goal is to win as soon as possible.”
Honda are targeting a new rider line-up for the 2027 season
Although the 2026 MotoGP Championship has not begun, the rumour mill has been in full swing regarding the 2027 grid.
One of the first and most major reports ahead of the Sepang Test was regarding a MotoGP World Champion, who may be on his way to Honda.
It was initially reported by Motorsport.com that Fabio Quartararo had agreed to join Honda on a two-year deal, starting in the 2027 MotoGP season.
This would be a significant move from the Japanese manufacturer, as it would see Quartararo, who was previously praised by Puig, enter Honda as they continue to climb back up the order.
However, this move would see either Joan Mir or Luca Marini make their way out of the factory Honda team at the end of the year after joining the manufacturer in 2024.
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