Before the great pre-season ballet raises its curtain, Honda, like an intrepid navigator, sets sail for the Buriram Circuit, a jewel nestled in the Thai heat, for a private tango with the asphalt this week. Riders Aleix Espargaró and Takaaki Nakagami, like star dancers, will be the protagonists of this expedition that reveals an HRC already on a war footing.
The winged brand has decided to get ahead of its competitors by organizing a private test on the circuit of Buriram, a Thailand. This track will host not only the first Grand Prix of the season but also the last official pre-season test. A strategic decision which demonstrates the desire of Honda to find the summits again.
Honda continues to take advantage of its concessions maximum to continue development of the RC213V ahead of the 2025 MotoGP season. According to motorsport, the test will take place from Friday 17th to Saturday 18th January at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand. A venue that will host the first round of the 2025 MotoGP on March 2The circuit will also be the site of the last official pre-season test. February 12 and 13.
Thanks to its status as a manufacturer benefiting from concessions, Honda is allowed to hold private tests throughout the year at any circuit, unlike other factories which are limited to a strict testing schedule. Honda is restricted to a total of 260 tires for all tests, covering all drivers involved.
Honda's dealership status gives it great flexibility in terms of development
This will be the third time thatAleix Espargaro will test the RC213V after November 2024, in Barcelona, and Jerez, shortly after. The aim will of course be to use his experience to refine the improvements needed to make the bike competitive.
For Takaaki Nakagami, this will be the second test in his role as HRC test driver after his debut in November 2024 at Sepang. He will provide his technical feedback to optimize the performance of the RC213V.
The objectives of the test will be to adjust the development of the RC213V based on the data collected previously, prepare the bike for the start of the season and ensure it is competitive from the opening round in Buriram by identifying key areas requiring improvement ahead of the February pre-season tests.
Honda is struggling to catch up after a difficult 2024 season. The RC213V has shown shortcomings in terms of competitiveness against Ducati, Aprilia, Yamaha et KTM. This test is crucial to refine the bike and maximize its potential for 2025.
