Historic manufacturers Honda and Yamaha are going through a prolonged crisis in MotoGP, marked by performances below their usual standards. Since the pandemic, the two Japanese giants have struggled to find their cruising speed, while the European competition, led by Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM, continues to dominate the championship. However, signs of recovery are beginning to appear, although the road is still long.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, Dorna CEO, recently expressed confidence about a possible return to the top of Honda et Yamaha , despite the difficulties encountered in recent years. In an interview with AS newspaper, he acknowledged that the pandemic had severely affected the two Japanese manufacturers, particularly their ability to maintain the development of their motorcycles.
« It takes a little longer, yes. This shows that the others are very good, and I maintain that The problem comes from the years of pandemic. In Japan they stopped, and in Europe they didn't, because they were working remotely, while in Japan they came to a standstill. But they will eventually arrive ", has explained Ezpeleta.
Since the health crisis, Honda et Yamaha had to change their approach, rethinking not only their technical strategy, but also recruiting new talent to modernize their teams.
Carmelo Ezpeleta: “ Starting from scratch with the new regulations will change things for Honda and Yamaha »
Yamaha , in particular, is preparing a return of its satellite team with Pramac and resources comparable to those of the factory team for 2025, a sign of a long-term commitment to reclaiming their place among MotoGP's elite.
Ezpeleta remains optimistic about the Japanese ability to get back into the race thanks to the new regulations which will come into force in MotoGP. He said the new rules could offer Honda et Yamaha a chance to start from scratch and align their projects with European manufacturers who, for their part, have never stopped progressing.
« Starting from scratch with the new regulations will change things. Although the three Europeans know a lot about it. I don't know if the factories will already be thinking about 2027 ", added Ezpeleta.
The recovery of Honda et Yamaha It is certainly a long and difficult process, but the restructuring underway, both in terms of staff and working methodologies, could allow them to regain their past glory in the coming MotoGP seasons.
