P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Luca Marini outlines why the 2027 MotoGP rules soften the impact of Honda’s concession change.
Luca Marini believes that MotoGP’s transition to 850cc machinery will help Honda offset the disadvantage of losing open engine development in 2026. Honda’s move from rank D to C in the concessions ranking system occurred after surpassing the 35% constructors’ points threshold this season. As a result, the RC213V’s engine design will be frozen from the start of the Thailand round until the end of the season. Despite the freeze, Marini feels that focusing on the 2027 regulations would have limited development even if Honda had remained in rank D. Achieving the 285 points required to change concession class was a clear objective for Honda, with Marini expressing satisfaction at the progress made in this regard. The upgraded ranking also means that Honda’s four race riders will no longer need to participate in private testing, a change that Marini sees as positive for both the team and the riders. The next time Marini and his teammates will ride their RCVs will be during the official MotoGP test from February 3-5, as they look forward to the upcoming season.
