Aleix Espargaro on Honda’s MotoGP goals: “We have to be A”

HRC take a look at rider Aleix Espargaro is assured that Honda’s rise from MotoGP concession rank D to C is just the start: “Now we have to be A.”

To succeed in A, a crew should earn as much as 85 per cent of constructors’ factors in a single yr, and to this point solely Ducati has achieved this benchmark, having gained the constructors’ championship for the previous six seasons.

Honda turned the primary producer to maneuver up the concession ladder because the introduction of the ABCD system in early 2024, exceeding the 35 p.c threshold required by KTM and Aprilia to affix Band C.

Yamaha is presently the one producer remaining in Class D, retaining full concessions together with ongoing engine growth and personal testing with race riders.

“It is a matter of the place we’ve to be. Now we have to be A, so that is the logical first step we’ve to take,” Espargaro mentioned of Honda’s promotion from D to C.

The decisive second got here late within the last race of the season in Valencia, when Luca Marini secured the seventh place he wanted to push Honda over the brink.

“Honda mentioned this, they usually repeated, ‘We needed to put one bike in P7.’ We did not disguise it,” Espargaro mentioned.

“I am very glad for Luka’s outcomes as a result of I believe he is been robust this season. He labored actually exhausting after his harm and his dedication was nice.”

“Joan (Mir) obtained on the rostrum a couple of occasions. Johann (Zarco) gained the race. It wasn’t a victory, however I believe it was a superb current for Luca.”

Zarco ended up beating Marini by six factors, ending twelfth total as Honda’s prime rider within the World Championship.

“The great factor was that each weekend (on the finish of the season) we had a minimum of one bike close to the highest. Generally it is Joao, Luca, Zarco. So it means the bikes are working properly,” Espargaro mentioned.

“The extent is actually, actually excessive and it is the identical for everybody. Generally it is one, typically the opposite. And João proved in Portimao that the bike is quick.”

“Clearly, we’re within the course of. KTM can also be progressing. Aprilia is flying. So it is good that everybody is getting nearer to Ducati.”

Reflecting on Honda’s intensive growth drive, Espargaro emphasised the dimensions of the take a look at program.

“It is superb how exhausting we have labored,” the previous Aprilia MotoGP race winner mentioned of the ultimate phases of the marketing campaign. “I examined for one million days in Malaysia, then went again to Europe after which went to Aragon earlier than going to Valencia (on a wild card).

“It actually exhibits Honda’s dedication.”

When requested if Ducati’s lack of concessions was limiting its growth choices, Espargaro mirrored on how Honda advanced the RCV in the course of the season.

“From my expertise, it has been superb how a lot we have modified the bike over the past six months as a result of we have finished tons of of laps with tons of fabric and testing,” he mentioned.

“So if you happen to think about a state of affairs with out testing…do not get me incorrect, it isn’t my fault, it is as a result of we might have examined so many issues.

“Honda has introduced so much to Joao and Luca. For instance, we up to date the engine 3 times in the course of the season and the one we’ve now’s tremendous quick.

“Ducati would not have the choice of fixing the engine. If Joao and Luca had raced at present with the engines that they had from the start of the season… they would not have even reached the highest ten.”

Honda will be a part of Ducati, KTM and Aprilia within the MotoGP engine freeze from the opening spherical of 2026. And in 2027, a brand new 850cc period will start.