MotoGP’s 2027 technical shake-up will speed up Honda’s return to the entrance, in keeping with new HRC check and wild-card rider Aleix Espargaro.
The three-time MotoGP race winner, who retired from full-time competitors with Aprilia on the finish of 2024, has joined Honda on a three-year deal and can play a key position in creating the next-generation RCV.
Whereas Ducati at present fields six race riders – in comparison with 4 every for Honda, Yamaha, KTM, and Aprilia – the Japanese producers are benefiting from their expanded testing allowances beneath the MotoGP concession system.
Honda’s check crew now contains three former full-time premier-class riders: Espargaro, Stefan Bradl, and Takaaki Nakagami.
Aleix Espargaro believes the change in tyre provider from Michelin to Pirelli could have a much bigger influence than the headline change to smaller 850cc engines.
“It will be fascinating,” he mentioned. “I am unable to wait, as a result of the factor that adjustments the bike essentially the most is the tyre.
“I raced the Bridgestone. I raced Michelin. And now I’ll race Pirelli, so it is a good problem.”
Aleix Espargaro, 2025 Dutch MotoGP
“You can’t purchase time… However Honda can be again on prime”
The 2027 technical guidelines will even ban ride-height units and introduce stricter aero limitations, an overhaul that Espargaro feels performs into Honda’s arms.
“My feeling from inside is that Honda is making an attempt desperately to do something that it’s important to do to win once more,” he mentioned.
“However there’s one factor that you simply can’t purchase, there’s one factor that you simply can’t invent, which is time. You want time.
“And with the brand new guidelines and the brand new tyre provider, I feel the time can be somewhat bit shorter. It will likely be extra in our favour.
“We are attempting our greatest. I feel Johann [Zarco] did some excellent races this yr with the victory and the rostrum. Additionally Joan [Mir] I feel is one other Joan—he is pushing like hell and being quick in numerous periods.
“Everyone is working very onerous in Honda, together with the check crew. So it is a matter of time, however Honda can be again on prime for certain.”
After ten of twenty-two rounds, Zarco – driving for LCR – leads the cost for Honda in seventh place within the MotoGP World Championship standings.
Honda additionally sits fourth within the constructors’ standings, forward of Yamaha, and has already surpassed its 2024 season factors complete of 75, with 128 scored up to now.
“We modified the chassis throughout the pre-season. We additionally modified the aero. The bike at the start of the season was fully completely different to the one they’re racing proper now,” mentioned Espargaro, who additionally helped to develop a carbon fibre swingarm.
“Honda listens rather a lot. I am very comfortable to have the ability to assist them and do some races as a wild card… It is a new life, however I am having fun with it.”
