Marco Bezzecchi
MotoGP’s switch to Pirelli tyres in 2027 could play perfectly into Honda’s hands, Carlos Checa has said. The Michelin era is coming to an end in December.
Michelin has been MotoGP’s sole tyre supplier since the start of the 2016 season. Marc Marquez won the title that year, the first of four on the bounce.
But since Marquez was injured at the start of the 2020 season, Honda have declined. The factory team hasn’t won a race since the 2021 Emilia Romagna GP, while rain helped LCR’s Johann Zarco triumph at Le Mans last year.
Carlos Checa explains why Pirelli tyres could be perfect for Honda
Honda have finished outside the top three in the constructors’ championship every year since 2019, the last time they fielded a fully-fit Marquez, but the 2027 regulation changes present an opportunity.
Already, Honda have cut off 2026 development to prioritise next year’s machine, so they clearly sense that this could be a game-changing moment.
In addition to the new technology, Checa says the new tyres should align with the DNA of the Honda motorcycle.
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“I think the Honda with the Pirellis, I do think they’ll come out on top, because of the tyres, because of the bike,” said Checa, who rode their bikes in 10 different seasons across Grand Prix racing and Superbikes. “I think Honda can make a step forward in that area, we’ll see.
“And then, well, they’ll do everything they can; they’re working hard, but it seems they haven’t quite found the key to take that final step, but they do seem to be improving.
“I think Honda might be the better option in this change. I don’t know, because it’s been a while since I’ve ridden a Honda, but going back a bit, conceptually Honda has always had a certain approach, even now in Superbike.
“A character that lacks a touch of grip in the front tyre, a touch of support, and with the Pirellis, I think that can be balanced.
“Not with the Michelins, because Michelin has always been known for its strong rear tyre and more critical front tyre, and I think Honda has a bit of that characteristic. So I think with the Pirellis it can be a bit more balanced.”
Has Fabio Quartararo pulled off a masterstroke by joining Honda?
The 2027 bikes will be on track together for the first time in June, though only riders under contract for next season are likely to take part.
It’s too early to make major pecking order predictions, but Honda’s marquee signing for 2027, Fabio Quartararo, is banking on the team’s unparalleled resources to propel them to the front.
If the 2027 overhaul does work in their favour, then Quartararo could feasibly leap from the back of the grid with Yamaha to the front, which would be one of the great rider-market masterstrokes.
Reports suggest Honda are already ahead of schedule with their development, which gives the Frenchman some hope as he toils in the lower midfield. The heavily rumoured move is yet to be confirmed as negotiations over the sport’s new commercial deal continue.
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