On the eve of the crucial November 18th test in Valencia, Honda is urging caution. While the 2026 RC213V has garnered positive feedback from Luca Marini since the Indonesian Grand Prix, HRC team manager Alberto Puig has sought to temper expectations regarding the extent of the changes that will be visible on Tuesday.
Honda has undoubtedly progressed during the 2025 season. The brand has gone from a bike capable of flirting with the top 10 at the beginning of the year to a regular presence in the top 6, with even occasional podium ambitions in the last races.
More Puig insists: the performance increase does not mean that a spectacular leap will be unveiled at Valencia.
« We are trying to take it gradually " he said during the global MotoGP broadcast on Friday. Don't expect radical changes »
He recalls that Honda has adopted this strategy for months: It's been like that all year: at the beginning of the year, We said we would improve after the summer, and we did.. »
For the Tuesday testHe evokes an evolution, but without revolution: We will probably have a stage on Tuesday. but this will be done step by step. »
Alberto Puig asserts that he is " Of course, it's good to move up a category in the concessions, because it means we've accomplished something positive. »
The recovery of Honda This season has been favored by the new system of concessions introduced in 2024, allowing in particular engine updates during the season and permanent testing with the regular drivers.
However, progress has one consequence: Honda could lose its status as a manufacturer category D from 2026, if it registers nine points during the weekend MotoGP Valencian (Sprint + Grand Prix).
This loss would mean less freedom for development next year. Some observers see this as a risk. Not Alberto Puig.
« The usual reasoning is that it is of course good to change, because it means that something positive has been accomplished. Therefore, There is no doubt about that. »
Then he clarifies the objective: " we still need these points and we need to get them »
According to him, the final in Valencia will be particularly demanding: Valencia is always a difficult match because it's the last chance to score, the last opportunity, and the teams give it their all. ».
He warns that accuracy will be crucial: If the weather stays like this and the conditions are good, it's generally not easy. You have to be very precise, because here, the first three or four corners are crucial for the race.. »
And to conclude: " Nine points won't be easy, but that's the only objective. »
One element could jeopardize this plan: the return clutch problemsalready encountered by Joan Mir et Somkiat Chantra au Portugal.
Puig acknowledges their reappearance, while also providing reassuring elements: There were a few problems. On Sunday morning, I said it could happen again, and unfortunately, it did. »
Selon's, Honda now has a clear idea of the cause: We are now almost certain what went wrong and we think we know how to fix it.. »
Le Valencia test will provide the first concrete indications on the RC213V 2026 project. Marini has already welcomed its potential progress, but the official position of Honda remains deliberately cautious.
The immediate objective is simple: to score 9 points this weekend and confirm the release of the concessions in the last category.
What happens next will depend on what appears Tuesday on the Valencian track — and the capacity of Honda to continue a reconstruction that is as fragile as it is promising.
