Honda could be the surprise package for the 2026 MotoGP season after they looked to have taken another step forward at the Sepang test.
The 2025 season was a step in the right direction. Honda In the year After the Japanese manufacturer finds itself at the back of the grid in 2024.
Honda returned to the podium on four occasions during the 2025 MotoGP championship Johann Zarko They got their first win since 2022.
But Honda’s desire to return to the stage repeatedly in 2010 It is not over by the end of 2025. They seem to have made another move for the 2026 season, and George Lorenzo They are marked for viewing.
Jorge Lorenzo believes that Honda has ‘taken a big step’
In an interview with reapingLorenzo discussed all the 2026 MotoGP bikes, naming Ducati as ‘very complete’ but emphasizing that Honda’s development is ‘terrible’.
Honda have retained three of their four riders from the 2025 season. Joan Mir, Luca Marini And Zarco remained in their ranks.
In addition to the three confirmed riders, Honda has added the reigning Moto2 champion. Diogo MoreiraAs he signed a three-year contract for their level this season.
Lorenzo said: “Yes, the Ducati continues to be a very complete bike for me. And unlike in the past, where there were four or five strong points and many others struggled, they managed to get a bike without any weak points.”
“It’s definitely not going 10km/h faster than the other bikes. But it’s a bit better than the other bikes and it’s a complete package for all riders.”
“On the other hand, the Aprilia is at a very similar level, although the bike is different, I see it as very strong with the Bezeci. It is very supportive, very fast and has a lot of cornering.
“Then Honda took a big step forward; this year is terrific. And we – or rather KTM – are close.”
Honda is showing clear ambitions for the future in the 2027 driver market.
One of the main talking points ahead of the 2026 MotoGP season is the bombshell report ahead of the Sepang test. Fabio Quatararo will join Honda in 2027.
The 2021 MotoGP world champion has not been happy with Yamaha for some time, and Quattroro was frustrated by key people at Yamaha In recent years.
The Frenchman’s contract with Yamaha expires at the end of the 2026 season and it is believed the Frenchman will head to Honda when the new MotoGP regulations are introduced in 2027.
While it is not known who he will be teaming up with in the factory Honda garage, this move shows Honda’s desire to return to the front of the MotoGP grid as soon as possible.
