Aleix Espargaro, a veteran of MotoGP and now a test rider for Honda, has asserted that the manufacturer’s significant engine upgrades were the decisive factor in its 2025 season competitiveness. Without these crucial developments, Espargaro claims Honda would not have even featured within the top 10 positions in the premier class. This stark assessment underscores the profound impact of the technical enhancements.

Honda, benefiting from its status as one of only two brands granted generous allowances under MotoGP’s concession system, was uniquely positioned to introduce a raft of new components to its RC213V motorcycle throughout the racing year. Critically, this flexibility allowed the Japanese marque to extensively upgrade its previously underpowered engine, a privilege denied to rivals such as Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM, whose engine specifications remained frozen.

This strategic advantage, combined with a robust base motorcycle at the start of the campaign, propelled Honda to its most successful MotoGP season in several years. The team celebrated a memorable victory at the rain-affected French Grand Prix and secured multiple dry-weather podium finishes at circuits including Silverstone, Motegi, and Sepang, demonstrating a significant upturn in form and performance.

The rejuvenated performance saw Honda conclude the year ahead of its domestic rival, Yamaha, in the manufacturer championship standings. Amassing 285 points, the team finished fourth overall, a dramatic improvement from the mere 75 points recorded in the preceding year. This substantial leap highlights the effectiveness of the intensive development program undertaken by the manufacturer.

Espargaro, who joined Honda’s test team after his retirement from active MotoGP racing, commended the manufacturer for its relentless development efforts throughout 2025. He emphasized the sheer volume of new materials introduced and the extensive testing regimen, stating, “The tons of material [that we introduced], the hundreds of laps that I did testing things and how much we changed the bike during these last six months, it has been amazing.”

He further elaborated on the vital role of the test team, noting the numerous possibilities it created for experimentation. Espargaro confirmed that Honda provided its factory riders, Joan Mir and Luca Marini, with a multitude of components, including three distinct engine updates over the season. He unequivocally stated that the current engine is “super fast” and that without these upgrades, Mir and Marini would not have contended for top-10 finishes.

The initial phase of the season featured notable moments, including LCR rider Johann Zarco’s triumphant victory in France. However, it was predominantly after the summer break that the factory Honda team began to secure consistent front-running results, signaling a profound shift in their competitive standing. Major in-season updates were instrumental in this transformation.

These enhancements significantly improved the fortunes of Joan Mir and Luca Marini, who subsequently became regular contenders for top-five positions from the Austrian Grand Prix onwards. Mir, in particular, showcased remarkable form, achieving a third-place finish on Honda’s home ground in Japan and replicating this impressive result just weeks later in Malaysia.

These podium finishes marked a pivotal moment for Mir, the 2020 world champion, as it was the first time since his arrival at Honda in 2023 that he appeared genuinely comfortable and confident with the RC213V. His improved rapport with the machine was a clear indicator of the positive impact of the development work.

While Mir readily acknowledged the updated engine’s significant contribution to his improved performance, he also stressed that Honda made substantial gains in various other critical areas. When questioned about the most impactful improvements, he clarified that it was not a singular fix but a comprehensive overhaul across multiple components.

Mir detailed the broad spectrum of enhancements, including improvements to aerodynamics, engine delivery, overall grip, and electronics, alongside a deeper understanding of the bike’s dynamics. He highlighted that the refined engine delivery and character particularly suited his riding style, giving him an edge compared to other Honda riders due to his sensitivity to throttle control. He also noted a significant improvement in front-end feeling and braking stability.

Read Original

Keywords: Honda MotoGP, MotoGP engine upgrades, Aleix Espargaro, MotoGP concessions, RC213V performance, Joan Mir Honda, Motorcycle racing development, Honda racing season