P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Honda is hoping to benefit from the new concession rule in MotoGP by setting up 22 private tests throughout this season.
The Japanese manufacturer, Honda, had a disastrous 2023 season in terms of results and rider line-up changes. They lost their six-time MotoGP champion, Marc Marquez, who left for Ducati, and their only race winner, Alex Rins, who switched to Yamaha. In exchange, Ducati riders Luca Marini and Johann Zarco joined Honda, but a quick solution to their problems doesn’t seem likely. However, Marini showed potential at the post-season test in Valencia. Due to their poor results, Honda, along with Yamaha, will benefit from extra testing and be allowed to develop their engine, while the other brands’ development will be frozen. Honda plans to take full advantage of this opportunity by conducting 22 private tests and employing a second full-time MotoGP test rider, as their current test leader, Stefan Bradl, is also a wildcard rider. This signing is crucial as both Joan Mir and Marini, who could participate in unlimited tests, are unable to do so because of their racing commitments. Zarco and Takaaki Nakagami may also test for Honda, but there are currently no plans for them to take on additional testing.
