After the first MotoGP test with Honda, HRC Technical Director Romano Albesiano talks about the project, the Japanese way of working and the prospects
At the MotoGP pre-season test in Sepang, it became clear that Honda will continue to be the bottom-placed of the five manufacturers competing in MotoGP in 2025 (see the reactions of the HRC riders). Ducati continues to be the benchmark and Yamaha has made arguably the greatest progress over the winter. Honda is lagging behind KTM and Aprilia.
The question is how long Honda will need to get back to their old strength. Romano Albesiano, who moved from Aprilia to Honda during the winter, seems very optimistic. “We have found a good base for the start of the season,” the new HRC technical director is convinced.
“I didn’t know what to expect from this test. But the basic performance of the riders and the bike is good,” the Italian MotoGP expert at MotoGP.com is pleased to report, adding: ‘We are here to make it to the top. It’s possible.’
Japanese vs. Europeans: According to Albesiano, the right mix leads to success
In recent years, Honda lost ground in the development of the RC213V. The European factories reacted much faster than the Japanese. Due to his many years at Aprilia, Albesiano is well aware of the differences in working methods.
“The approach to racing and development is different,” Albesiano notes. ‘But I wouldn’t go so far as to say that one of the approaches is right or wrong. If we combine the best of both worlds, then it’s a fantastic combination for the future.’
During the winter, Honda has continued to develop the engine of the RC213V. “The engine is one of the areas where the guys at Honda have done a very good job,” reveals Albesiano. “It was a decent step for the riders. We are still looking for a bit more pure performance. That’s what we still need to be really competitive.”
Can Aleix Espargaro lead Honda to success too?
Since Aleix Espargaro signed on as a test driver with Honda after the end of his active career, Albesiano has a confidant in his new work environment. “It was a great opportunity for me, but also for Honda, to sign two people who have worked together very efficiently for a very long time. It’s easy for me to understand what he’s saying,” Albesiano notes.
Espargaró has already played a major role in leading Aprilia’s MotoGP project to victories. Above all, his seemingly endless motivation helped turn the RS-GP into a winning bike. “He’s great to work with and I think he can be a great help to Honda,” predicts the new HRC Technical Director.
