Luca Marini thinks that the upcoming transition to 850cc engines in MotoGP will balance out the challenges Honda faces after losing the ability to develop their engines freely in 2026. This season, Honda’s concession rating dropped from D to C because they surpassed the 35% concession points limit, leading to an engine design freeze for the RC213V starting from the first race in Thailand until the season ends.
Similarly, Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM will face a freeze on engine changes from early 2025, while Yamaha, the only factory still with a D rating, can keep making modifications to its new V4 engine throughout next year. Even if Honda remains ranked D, Marini believes that the focus shifting to the 2027 rules will restrict the development of new 1000cc engines.
Marini explained about the drawback of moving to C rank, saying that the engine will see little change in 2026. He added that it doesn’t make sense to invest heavily in new 1000cc engine development now. He looks forward to more details about the engine for the Sepang test but expects much to remain the same.
Marini stated that reaching the 285 points needed to improve their concession class has been a clear target since the summer break, with everyone working hard toward it. The upgrade in ranking also means Honda’s four racers won’t have to attend private testing sessions anymore. Marini mentioned that such sessions are crucial when a team is struggling and expressed happiness to help Honda reach this level.
He also noted that having fewer extra events outside the Grand Prix is beneficial for factory riders, who had to spend significant time and energy traveling for testing in recent years. With a strong test team led by Aleix and Taka doing a great job, the riders feel relieved about this change.
Except for LCR rookie Diogo Moreira, Honda’s riders, including Marini, Joan Mir, and Johann Zarco, will not be eligible for the Sepang shakedown test and will next ride the RC213V during the official MotoGP test scheduled from February 3rd to 5th.
Fan Take: This update is crucial for racing fans because it signals a push towards more balanced competition as the technical playing field levels out. Honda’s shift could shake up the pecking order and inject fresh excitement into the sport as teams adapt to new engine rules and strategic development timelines.
