Honda has announced a new direction for its MotoGP testing program for 2025, as changes in concession status prevent its primary race riders from joining private test sessions. This shift increases the responsibilities for factory test riders Aleix Espargaro and Takaaki Nakagami as the team develops its latest machinery, marking a significant stage in Honda MotoGP testing plans.
Key Changes Following Concession Status Advancement
After advancing in the MotoGP concession rankings, Honda can no longer include its main race riders in private development tests. This policy adjustment places a heightened focus on the performance and feedback of dedicated test riders, especially as Honda approaches a key developmental phase for its upcoming 850cc motorcycle model and adapts to the new Pirelli tire package for the upcoming season.
Division of Testing Roles Among Riders
During the MotoGP season finale at Valencia, Aleix Espargaro described how Honda will delegate early testing tasks between himself and Takaaki Nakagami. Espargaro, who participated as a wild-card rider on the 2026 RCV prototype, explained the planned division of labor:
“Taka will take care of the 850cc and the Pirellis in the first three months of the year,”
Espargaro shared, referencing Honda’s technical director, Romano Albesiano, who instructed him to maintain focus on Honda’s 2026 bike.
“So Taka will take care of the bike at the beginning, and I will start in the summer with the 850cc.”
— Aleix Espargaro, Test Rider
Upcoming Engine Freeze and Preparations
Honda joins Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia in freezing their 1000cc engine specifications at the start of the next season’s opening round in Thailand, a direct result of moving up to concession rank C. This means significant technical changes must be completed ahead of the freeze, making the current development cycle even more critical. Espargaro commented on the company’s motivation and engine progress:
“This year Honda worked very hard and brought three big engine updates,”
Espargaro stated, reflecting on efforts made in anticipation of the upcoming engine freeze. He also expressed confidence in Honda’s current engine status:
“I think the engine we have now is strong enough, and still has some room to improve before the first race of ‘26.”
— Aleix Espargaro, Test Rider
Projected Workload and Transition to Future Models
Once the next season starts, attention within the Honda camp will move away from the 1000cc bike, shifting focus toward development of the 2027 850cc prototype. The need for rapid innovation continues as Honda seeks to maintain competitive momentum following its loss of full concessions, though Espargaro does not anticipate a dramatic change in his responsibilities:
“To me, it’s basically the same,”
said Espargaro.
“From mid-season, I’m going to start to work with the Pirellis, so it will not change much.”
— Aleix Espargaro, Test Rider
Background on the Test Team and Personnel Moves
Aleix Espargaro, a former triple MotoGP race winner with Aprilia, retired from full-time racing at the end of last season and joined Honda’s factory test team alongside technical director Romano Albesiano. At the same time, Takaaki Nakagami transitioned from his long-standing role as a main rider for LCR, after seven seasons, to join the Honda test program.
What Looms Ahead for Honda in MotoGP
Honda is poised for a transformative period as it adapts to stricter concession policies, an incoming engine freeze, and significant development shifts. The detailed Honda MotoGP testing plans put the spotlight on its factory test riders and engineering staff to deliver incremental improvements and prepare the team for future regulations. With Takaaki Nakagami and Aleix Espargaro guiding development through the 2025 season and beyond, Honda aims to remain a competitive presence at the forefront of MotoGP innovation.
