Honda’s MotoGP ambitions are reaching a fever pitch as team boss Alberto Puig candidly reveals the manufacturer’s roadmap for the 2026 season. After enduring a nightmarish 2024, where Honda languished at the back of the pack with zero podium finishes, the company sprang back to life last season, igniting hope among fans and stakeholders alike.
The pivotal moment came at the French Grand Prix when Johann Zarco broke the team’s winless streak, showcasing remarkable speed and skill. This momentum continued as Honda clinched three additional podiums throughout the season at Silverstone, Motegi, and Sepang, thanks to the combined efforts of Zarco and fellow rider Joan Mir. Impressively, Honda amassed 210 more points than in the disastrous 2024 campaign, climbing out of the dreaded concession rank D.
Despite this resurgence, Puig is clear-eyed about the challenges ahead. “There have been good moments,” he acknowledged in an interview with the official MotoGP website. “We cannot forget about the victory of Johann Zarco in Le Mans, which was really impressive.” He emphasized that while the team has shown promise, there is a crucial need for “a little bit more consistency” as they gear up for the 2026 season.
Honda’s trajectory is on the rise, but Puig insists that maintaining this upward momentum is essential. “From the summer until today, they have, with ups and downs, been doing quite good results,” he noted, reflecting on the team’s journey. The podium finish in Japan also brought much-deserved joy to the Honda camp, further highlighting the progress made. However, Puig remains focused on the need for consistency, stating, “This is what we are focusing on for next year.”
Looking ahead, Puig is optimistic about the potential for further improvement. “I think we still have a small margin of improvement for ’26. I’m sure we will get there,” he asserted, recognizing that such advancements will provide vital support for the riders. The excitement doesn’t end there; Honda’s rider lineup is already shaping up to be intriguing, with the addition of young talent Diogo Moreira from Moto2, poised to make his mark in the highly competitive arena.
As the MotoGP landscape evolves, Honda is also making strategic moves in preparation for the 2027 rider market. The brand is making waves with speculation linking it to prominent names such as Jorge Martin and Pedro Acosta, positioning itself as a formidable contender for future championships.
This week, Honda will kick off the first track test of its 2027 engine in Malaysia, with Takaaki Nakagami entrusted with this crucial task. As the adrenaline builds for the upcoming season, Honda’s ambitions are crystal clear: they aim to reclaim their dominance in the MotoGP world, and the groundwork is being laid for a thrilling journey ahead.
