When the new concession points in the regulations were announced by Dorna, it became clear that manufacturers Honda and Yamaha would finally have the breathing room to get to work to close the gap on Ducati, and the other two European manufacturers what are Aprilia and KTM. However, to exploit the opportunity, we must still give ourselves the means and reorganize ourselves to take full advantage of this change. Surprisingly, Yamaha welcomed the situation with a certain lukewarmness, getting lost in planning considerations to take advantage of the new slots dedicated to testing. Which is not the case for Honda. The proof …
Recent years have been marked by a significant decline in the competitiveness of Honda in MotoGP. The low point was reached in 2023 when the world's leading manufacturer took just one victory, thanks to satellite team LCR Honda's rider alex rins. Due to these results, Honda will have the maximum concessions available in 2024 and aims to make the most of them.
According to Motorsport.com, the Japanese manufacturer has scheduled numerous private testing sessions, taking advantage of the possibility of having up to 22 days throughout the season. However, they may not use all of these days during the year, as concessions will be revised during the summer break based on results.
Honda is looking for a second test rider, and Yamaha?
Regulations introduced for 2024 allow regular drivers to take part in private tests, which means that Joan mir et Luca Marini will be able to test, as well as the test pilot Stefan bradl. The German driver, who is also expected to compete in Grand Prix races as a wildcard until five times, might not be the only test pilot.
Honda is in fact looking for a second test pilot to share the workload. During this time, Yamaha tries to convince his only Carl Crutchlow to do more... The first release of Bradl is scheduled for the end of the month, when, 22 janvier, he will take the Jerez track with the WSBK drivers, before flying to Malaysia…
hear @ Luca_Marini_97's first thoughts as a Repsol Honda Team rider ahead of the 2024 @MotoGP season.
“Something made from destiny…”
- Repsol Honda Team (@HRC_MotoGP) January 3, 2024
