Honda Taking Right Path with Limited Testing in Valencia

Honda stated that it "didn't have much to test" in Valencia this week, but all new MotoGP components it introduced performed a...

Honda stated that it "didn't have much to test" in Valencia this week, but all new MotoGP components it introduced performed as expected.

Although the testing group headed byAleix Espargarohas been focused on assessing the 2026-spec RC213V, including during a recent private test at Sepang, the Japanese company did not present a completely new bike at Valencia on Tuesday.

Alternatively, Honda effectively used the same motorcycle that competed at theValencia Grand Prixlast week, but featuring multiple new solutions and elements created for the final year of the existing rule period.

Although there were minor adjustments, team manager Alberto Puig characterized the test as beneficial, noting that HRC engineers are following the correct development route.

"The truth is that it was a productive day, slightly shortened due to the wet track in the morning, but overall positive," Puig said to Spanish broadcaster DAZN.

We didn't have much to test—two or three items, not much—but everything we installed seems to function. In principle, the approach is positive, and we are satisfied.

Puig did not mention which updatesJoan Mir, Luca Marini and LCR rider Johann Zarcoraced in Valencia, but believes Honda has a strong basis to build upon as the winter break approaches.

"The objective was to attempt to achieve better traction, and we experimented with several different options on the chassis," he explained.

I won't go into specifics, but I'll reiterate that the path is positive and offers a clear indication as we head into the winter.

Being aware that the elements you test function properly, and having the ability to track a development process, simplifies the subsequent steps to adhere to the same route towards excellence, which essentially means owning a bicycle that can compete with leading manufacturers.

Honda has no longer holds its Group D privileges following an impressive recovery from its low point in 2024, after securing a victory in a wet French GP and achieving podium finishes in dry-weather races at Silverstone, Motegi, and Sepang.

Puig showed his happiness that Honda's recovery initiatives are yielding results, although this involves sacrificing some private test days, additional tire allocations, and wildcards.

That's why it's so crucial that what we tested in Valencia was successful," he said. "If you move up the concession rankings, you naturally receive fewer benefits, but we're pleased with this because it shows we've advanced.

It could have been far worse if none of our tests had succeeded.

Honda’s goals for 2026

For the 2026 season, Honda is targeting a more stable performance throughout the year, with Puig expressing his desire for the brand to secure a position within the top five each weekend.

"We've made progress, that's clear; the bicycle has become more powerful. Now we must work on achieving consistent performance," he stated.

Considering a top five finish would be a beneficial goal. We should maintain consistency without requiring the riders to push to their maximum every lap, as this can result in accidents and issues during qualifying.

If we manage to obtain a bicycle that consistently ranks within the top five or six during qualifying and in the race, that would represent another significant advancement for next year.

Moreira’s first MotoGP outing

Puig was among the most prominent advocates for Honda's 2026 agreement.Diogo Moreiraand persuaded the management to cancel LCR's sponsorship agreement with Idemitsu - which relied on having Asian riders - in order to employ the Brazilian.

When asked to evaluate the performance of the newly-announced Moto2 champion in Valencia, Puig stated: "The first day riding a MotoGP machine is extremely challenging - it can be very tough. The bike is highly powerful; we had already advised him to proceed carefully, as he will need to do the same during next year's Sepang test."

Shifting categories isn't simple. However, any rider who becomes a world champion hasn't achieved that by luck. He is young, driven, and I believe that, given time, he will progress further.

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