Honda is accelerating its return to the top

Accustomed to dominating the modern era of MotoGPHonda Racing Corporation (HRC) was long the benchmark in the paddock. However, in recent years, the winged brand has seen the European elite—Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM—gain the technological and sporting edge. Like Yamaha, another Japanese giant, Honda has fallen behind in the development race, unable to consistently compete for podium finishes. 

A few flashes of brilliance, however, rekindled the flame. Álex Rins' victory at the 2023 Grand Prix of the Americas, followed by Johann Zarco's impressive win at the 2025 French Grand Prix, provided a much-needed boost to a team in rebuilding mode. For a manufacturer whose DNA is so closely tied to winning, two victories in three seasons remain far from sufficient.

The end of the 2025 season, however, changed the general perception. Zarco's second place at Silverstone, followed by Joan Mir's podium finishes in Japan and Malaysia, confirmed that the work undertaken was finally paying off. HRC was no longer just improving; it was regaining credibility.

« This is the best package I've had available since joining Honda.

The positive signs were confirmed during winter testing at Sepang. Aleix Espargaró, now a Honda test rider after his years with Aprilia, didn't hide his enthusiasm on social media, calling the 2026 RC213V the best MotoGP bike he's ever ridden. A significant compliment coming from a three-time premier class winner.

During the official test, Joan Mir also expressed his satisfaction. The 2020 world champion mentioned a "best package" Since joining Honda, while acknowledging areas for improvement, particularly regarding rear traction, the lack of rear-wheel grip remains a sensitive point, still causing wheelspin when accelerating. However, this weakness does not negate the overall progress made. “We’re still skating around a bit too much (…) I’m going to try to understand what we need to improve in that area. We’re going to try to put everything in place… It’s the best package I’ve had at my disposal since I joined Honda, so I’m happy.”, said the Spanish driver at the end of the second day of testing.

On the timing front, the progress is tangible. Mir clocked a lap of 1:56.874, joining the coveted 1:56 club at Sepang. Fifth in the combined standings, he came within half a second of Alex Márquez's best time. Most importantly, he improved his 2025 benchmark on the same track by more than four-tenths of a second. 

A return to the forefront that still needs to be confirmed

Factory team manager Alberto Puig is measured but confident. According to him, Honda hasn't made any dramatic technical changes. The work has focused on a series of targeted improvements: engine optimization, weight reduction, and chassis and electronic adjustments. Individually, these changes may seem minor, but together they transform the overall behavior of the machine. The goal is clear: to win as quickly as possible. This statement contrasts sharply with the cautious approach adopted in recent seasons.

While Ducati and Aprilia still seem to have a slight advantage in pure performance, the dynamics have changed. Ducati remains the technical benchmark on the grid, while Aprilia continues its rise in power, but Honda no longer appears out of contention.

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Consistency will now be key. Converting an encouraging preseason into actual victories will require resolving the remaining grip issues and confirming competitiveness across all circuits on the calendar. The ability to exploit the RC213V's potential over the course of a race, particularly in tire management, will be a major test.

For the first time in a long time, HRC's discourse is no longer based on rebuilding but on ambition. The winter of 2025-2026 restored credibility to the Japanese sporting project. If the promise glimpsed at Sepang is confirmed in the first few races, 2026 could well mark Honda's true return to the fight for victories, and ultimately, for the world title.