As the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello approaches, tensions are rising behind the scenes. MotoGP's technical concessions, introduced to allow struggling manufacturers to catch up, will be reassessed at the summer break, after Brno. And with four races to go (Mugello, Assen, Sachsenring, and Brno), some manufacturers are risking their technical futures.
At Ducati, nervousness is growing. Not for their own fate – the Bologna Reds will remain alone in Category A (without concessions) – but because some rivals are moving up at a worrying speed. Several officials Ducati publicly complained about the comeback of brands that had previously been left behind, thanks to improvements made possible... by the famous concessions.
With 119 points accumulated, Honda is currently in the red zone. The Japanese manufacturer occupies category D, the lowest on the scale, which allows it to have more testing days, more engines and greater freedom over their development. But be careful: At 119 points, they have already exceeded the limit of 103 points set to remain in D. Still some good results – like those of zarco at Le Mans or Silverstone – and Honda will move up to category C, thus losing crucial advantages for its recovery.
The re-evaluation of the concession system is fast approaching and the pressure is at its maximum
Conversely, Aprilia et KTM are navigating troubled waters in the level C, but flirt with the descent. Aprilia, despite a flash of Bezzecchi at Silverstone, only counts 103 points, just at the limit. KTM, after a revival in Aragon, is at 106 points, but the pressure is on. A poor performance in the next rounds could make them fall back to D…which, paradoxically, would almost be good news for their technical departments.
Ironically: The brand that worries Ducati most in the medium term, Yamaha, is the one with the least immediate pressure. With only 89 points, the Iwata firm is safe from a passage in category C. The breakdown of Fabio Quartararo at Silverstone was painful from a sporting perspective... but strategically beneficial. Yamaha will continue to benefit from valuable concessions and will be able to pursue its accelerated development without restriction.
From here Brno, everything can still change. While some are fighting to remain in the privileged development zone, others – like Ducati – fear seeing their rivals get away with it a little too well thanks to this system. It is no coincidence that the Italian Gigi Dall'Igna observes very closely the progressions of Honda et Yamaha The question now is: who will take best advantage of the regulation to overthrow the hierarchy? The answer will be after the next four battles... The race for concessions adds a tactical dimension in the championship. If Honda goes to Category C, its development will be slowed down. Conversely, Aprilia et KTM could benefit from a return in D to prepare for 2026…
