Honda Finds Major Problem, Targets Revival in MotoGP

Can Honda claw its way back to MotoGP glory in 2025, or will they remain stuck in the shadows? Johann Zarco’s back-to-back podiums in France and Britain sparked hope for a Honda resurgence, but a lackluster performance at the MotoGP Aragon 2025 has reignited doubts.

Honda HRC Castrol team boss Alberto Puig insists the team “clearly understands our big problems,” yet persistent issues on the track tell a different story.

Amid intense testing in Aragon, Honda grapples with a nagging engine vibration issue that refuses to go away. With Aleix Espargaro urging the team to stay “grounded” and rumors swirling about Joan Mir and Luca Marini eyeing an exit, the pressure on Honda is at an all-time high. What’s really happening inside Honda’s garage, and can they turn “chaos” into victory?

Honda showed flickers of revival with Johann Zarco’s podium finishes in MotoGP France and Britain 2025, a dramatic turnaround after a 2024 season dubbed the “lowest point” by a team official. However, at Aragon on June 8, 2025, reality hit hard, with Honda failing to secure a top-three finish for the first time in three races. Zarco, the team’s beacon, struggled against the same technical issues that have long plagued Honda.

Speaking to MotoGP.com during the Aragon test, Alberto Puig revealed the team is testing “many small things and some big ones” to improve the RC213V. Yet, Honda test rider Aleix Espargaro cautioned that Zarco’s success stems more from his “riding brilliance” than bike improvements, casting doubt on Honda’s consistency.

At the heart of Honda’s woes lies an elusive vibration (chattering) problem. Aleix Espargaro admitted the team “doesn’t fully understand where this vibration comes from,” suspecting the engine as the culprit. “It’s very difficult to fix this year if it’s the engine,” Espargaro noted, highlighting the technical hurdle. Testing a carbon swingarm in Britain was one attempt to mitigate the issue, but results remain inconsistent.

Puig emphasized that engineers in Japan are “working hard” to address the problem, expressing confidence in gradual improvements. Yet, without a clear solution, Honda continues to trail rivals like Ducati, who dominate the 2025 season. Can Honda crack this mystery before the season slips away?

The Aragon setback leaves Honda in a precarious position in the 2025 MotoGP standings. Despite Zarco’s podiums, the team struggles to match Ducati’s dominance. Luca Marini, though consistent in scoring points in the first seven races, was set back by a tire pressure violation in Silverstone, compounding Honda’s challenges.

Rumors of rider discontent add fuel to the fire. Posts on X suggest Joan Mir and Luca Marini are considering a move to Trackhouse Aprilia, reflecting uncertainty within the team. While unconfirmed, these sentiments underscore the immense pressure on Honda to deliver results and retain their riders.

Honda’s internal dynamics are under scrutiny, with Aleix Espargaro praising Alberto Puig for his dedication to protecting riders, as seen with Pol Espargaro in the past. However, Espargaro also urged realism, warning Honda not to be swayed by Zarco’s podiums. “We need to find solutions,” he stressed, pointing to the technical limitations holding the team back.

In the paddock, rival riders are adding to the heat. Marc Marquez, now departed from Honda, hinted that major changes are needed to restore the team’s former glory. Meanwhile, speculation about Toprak Razgatlioglu’s move to MotoGP with Pramac Yamaha intensifies the pressure on Honda to act swiftly. Will Puig and his team silence the critics?

MotoGP Italy 2025 at Mugello will be a make-or-break moment for Honda. With the Aragon test showing slight progress, the team must prove it can overcome its vibration issues and return to the podium. Will Johann Zarco deliver another upset, or will Honda remain overshadowed by rivals? The futures of Luca Marini and Joan Mir are also in focus, with transfer rumors swirling.

Don’t miss a moment of Honda’s fight for redemption. Stay tuned to SPORTRIK for the latest MotoGP 2025 updates and behind-the-scenes drama!