According to New HRC test and wildcard rider Aleix Espargaro, MotoGP’s 2027 technical shakeup will accelerate Honda’s return to the front.
The winner of the three MotoGP race, which retired from full-time competition with Aprilia at the end of 2024, will join Honda on a three-year contract and play a key role in the development of the next-generation RCV.
Ducati currently dispatches six race riders compared to four each of Honda, Yamaha, KTM and Aprilia, while Japanese manufacturers are making the most of their expanded testing allowances under the MotoGP concession system.
Honda’s test team includes three former full-time premier class riders, Espargaro, Stephen Bradl and Takaki Nakagami.
Aleix Espargaro believes that the change in tire suppliers from Michelin to Pirelli will have a greater impact than the heading switches for smaller 850cc engines.
“It’s going to be interesting,” he said. “The most change to a bicycle is because it’s tires.
“I raced Bridesgainton, I raced Michelin, and now I’m racing Pirelli, so that’s a good challenge.”
Aleix Espargaro, 2025 Netherlands Motogp
“We can’t buy the time… but Honda will return to the top.”
The 2027 technical rules will ban ride height devices and introduce stricter aero restrictions. This is an overhaul that makes Espargaro feel like it will reach Honda’s hands.
“My feelings from within are that Honda is desperately trying to do what you have to do to win again,” he said.
“But there is one thing you can’t buy. There is one thing you can’t invent. Time. It takes time.
“And I think the time will be a little shorter with new rules and new tire suppliers, which will be in our advantage.
“We’re doing our best. I think Johann (Zarko) has had a very good race this year on the victory and podium, and I think Joan (Mir) is Joan.
“Everyone, including the test team, is working very hard at Honda. So it’s only a matter of time, but Honda certainly will return to the top.”
Ten out of the 22 rounds, Zarco will ride the LCR and lead Honda’s price with seventh place in the MotoGP World Championship standings.
Honda also sits fourth in the Constructors standings ahead of Yamaha, already outperforming the 2024 season points by 75, with 128 people scored so far.
“We changed the chassis during the preseason, we changed the aero. The bikes at the beginning of the season were completely different from what they were racing now,” said Espargaro, who helped develop the carbon fiber swingarm.
“Honda listens a lot. I’m so happy to be able to help them and race some wildcards…it’s a new life, but I enjoy it.”