Japanese motorcycle giants Yamaha and Honda are facing increasing difficulties in MotoGP. Livio Suppo, a key figure in the paddock, recently expressed his reservations about the progress made by these two manufacturers. His statements highlight the challenges facing these historic brands.
Livio Suppo, Racing Consultant, an experienced MotoGP figure, delivered a critical analysis of the 2024 season and the directions taken by certain manufacturers, notably Yamaha et Honda. In an interview with Motosan, suppo expressed reservations about the technical evolution of Japanese motorcycles and questions about the role of Roman Albesian in Honda.
According to Suppo, Yamaha seems to be stagnating, despite the efforts made. I don't think Yamaha has made a big step forward this season.. They have Fabio Quartararo, an exceptional rider who sometimes makes a big difference. But if we talk only about the bike, even with all the work done and the involvement of Max Bartolini, I don't see any significant progress. »
Yamaha , which struggles to compete with European machines, remains dependent on the talent of Quarterly. However, suppo believes that without a real technical revolution, the brand's results will continue to be limited.
The case of Honda also drew mixed reviews from suppo, particularly on the arrival of Roman Albesian, former key engineer ofAprilia. " At Honda they now have Albesiano, but it is not yet clear what exactly his role will be. »
Livio Suppo: “ With Japanese brands, it is often difficult to understand the hierarchy and the real influence of newcomers. »
He compares this situation to the arrival of Ken Kawauchi in Honda, from Suzuki, which did not have the impact hoped for. Ken Kawauchi was great at Suzuki, but at Honda nothing has changed. While I respect his work a lot, it seems he hasn't had the necessary influence »
suppo therefore expresses doubts about the ability ofAlbesian to transform the project Honda. " With Japanese brands, it is often difficult to understand the hierarchy and the real influence of newcomers. »
However, suppo welcomes the organization ofAprilia, where management seems more structured. With the arrival of Paolo Sterlacchini, former technical director of Ducati, suppo considers thatAprilia has a clear vision of his leadership. In Aprilia's case it is easier to see who the real leader will be. This contrasts with Japanese brands, where this clarity is often lacking. »
To Livio Suppo, Racing Consultant, Yamaha and Honda continue to lag behind, not only in terms of performance, but also in their internal organization. While European manufacturers like Ducati et Aprilia display a clear strategy and constant progress, the Japanese brands seem entangled in development schemes that struggle to adapt to the current reality of MotoGP.
The arrival ofAlbesian in Honda will be closely scrutinized in 2025, as will the capacity of Yamaha to finally make up for its technical delay. But according to suppo, without profound changes, these manufacturers could continue to suffer in the face of European domination.
