Honda is planning an extensive 22-day testing plan for 2024 as the storied brand looks to return to the forefront of MotoGP competition.
The Japanese marque has suffered for form over the past couple of seasons in particular, the manufacturer scoring just a sole win over this period, courtesy of LCR’s Alex Rins at the Circuit of the Americas last year.
The RC213V has been developed into a tricky machine that its riders struggle to get the most from, with high-speed crashes from all its pilots a common sight during 2023 in particular. Its poor form, which saw it slump to fifth and last in the constructors championship last term, means it profits from MotoGP’s updated concessions system.
The new format allows Honda, as well as similarly struggling Japanese rival Yamaha, free reign over engine development, unlimited test days, use of their race riders during testing, and a total of six wildcard entries over the season, among other benefits.
Keen to re-establish itself back at the front of the back, Honda is already planning an extensive testing programme with test rider Stefan Bradl. According to Motorsport.com, the marque hopes to use a total of 22 test days over the season. Due to the huge workload this would put on Bradl, Honda is also looking at hiring a second test pilot to split duties with the German.
It will likely look to complete as much testing as possible in the opening half of the campaign, primarily as each manufacturer will be evaluated every six months going forward. This means they could move up or down a concessions rank much faster, so if Honda enjoys a fruitful start to the year they could lose a chunk of their permitted testing ability.
The factory Repsol Honda operation is set to unveil their 2024 colors with riders Joan Mir and Luca Marini on February 13th, with the satellite LCR squad showing off their schemes alongside Johann Zarco and Takaaki Nakagami a day later.
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