MotoGP News: Honda Admits 'Bigger Things' Planned For The Year - 'We Are Not Sleeping'

Saajan Jogia | Jul 27, 2024

Apr 15, 2023; Austin, TX, USA; Joan Mir (36) of Spain and Repsol Honda Team, Takaaki Nakagami (30) of Japan and LCR Honda Idemitsu and Franco Morbidelli (21) of Italy and Mondster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team take turn 11 during the MotoGP Sprint Race at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-USA TODAY Sports / Dustin Safranek-USA TODAY Sports

With Honda experiencing a downturn in performance in recent MotoGP seasons, Repsol Honda boss Alberto Puig emphasized that the Japanese manufacturer is "not sleeping" but is actively working on significant upgrades for the second half of the year.

The team boss openly acknowledged that Honda is significantly below its desired position, as the current pace of the bike has led to one of the team’s worst performances in its history. In fact, none of Honda's four riders have managed to secure a top-ten finish this season. The leading rider for Honda, Joan Mir, currently occupies 18th place in the championship standings with 13 points.

In addition, Honda welcomed two new riders this season- Johann Zarco and Luca Marini. Zarco has proven to be a valuable addition, occasionally showcasing impressive pace. In contrast, Marini has faced difficulties adapting to the RC213V, as the bike's inherent challenges have significantly impacted his performance.

Puig explained that in a competitive landscape like MotoGP, confidence is essential for a brand to remain relevant. He emphasized that the team is focused on improving the bike's performance. He
told MotoGP.com:

"We have to be confident otherwise we should go home. What we know is what we are doing. 

"We know that we are not sleeping. But what we try, whether it works or not is another story. 

"For the second part of the year we will try to bring some new components with the aim that they work. 

"But the guarantee, we don't have it at the moment. We already planned at the beginning of the year to that the second part we would have different things to try.

"Not small things but bigger things. Hopefully we can make that step and improve." 

Acknowledging Honda's current position and the efforts being put in, Puig added:

"It was not so easy. We are not where we want to be. We are trying to get there but still far away. [We're] in our standard position. 

"But this is how it is now and we are fighting, trying to catch up and trying many different solutions. 

"But it's clear on the lap times that we are still not there and we know it. We are trying to do as much as possible in the smallest time possible. 

"We are using the concessions and testing a lot but still we have to make big steps."

Fortunately, Honda recognizes the missing piece of the puzzle, but implementing the necessary improvements is where the challenge lies. He added:

"We have to improve the bike. This is the point. We know what we are missing but still we cannot find a solution to solve the problem. 

"But out main problems, we know them and have a clear understanding. But how to fix them is still where we are not 100% sure."