Development challenges hinder Honda and Yamaha’s progress

Dorna CEO expects Honda and Yamaha to improve but not challenge Ducati in 2025.

Fabio Quartararo of France and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team leads Luca Marini of Italy and Honda HRC Castrol during the Thailand MotoGP Test at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, on February 13, 2025. Photo by Mirco Lazzari/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

The 2025 MotoGP season marks the second year of the championship’s revised concessions system, a four-tier structure designed to aid struggling manufacturers. Honda and Yamaha, currently trailing their European rivals, benefit the most from these allowances. However, Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta has cautioned that while improvements are expected, neither Japanese brand is likely to reclaim dominance anytime soon.

In an interview with MotoSprint, Ezpeleta addressed the state of the Japanese manufacturers and acknowledged that the concessions system should facilitate their progress. However, he stressed that a rapid turnaround remains unlikely, especially with Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM continuing to set the pace.

Ezpeleta: Honda faces a longer road to recovery than Yamaha

While optimistic about Honda and Yamaha making progress, Ezpeleta emphasized that their return to the front will take time.

“Yes, although it will still take some time. More for Honda than for Yamaha,” Ezpeleta explained. “But I am sure that by the end of this year, they will not be ahead, because Ducati and Aprilia are very strong, and KTM is also at a great level. However, the Japanese manufacturers will be closer.”

His comments reflect the significant performance gap that has emerged between the European and Japanese manufacturers in recent seasons. Ducati, in particular, has dominated MotoGP, while Aprilia and KTM have steadily improved. Despite Honda and Yamaha receiving more development freedom under the concessions system, catching up remains a complex challenge.

Even with the additional advantages provided by the concessions system, transforming a MotoGP machine into a race-winning contender is a lengthy process. The research, testing, and manufacturing involved in refining a competitive bike require extensive time and resources.

In the current MotoGP landscape, where performance differences are measured in fractions of a second, a breakthrough capable of immediately reversing fortunes is nearly impossible. While Honda and Yamaha continue to work on their development programs, they remain at a disadvantage compared to their European rivals, who have already established strong technical foundations.

Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM continue to lead the way

Ducati’s dominance in MotoGP has been built on years of steady technological advancements, with innovations such as advanced aerodynamics and ride-height devices playing a crucial role. Aprilia and KTM have also made significant strides, adapting quickly to the demands of modern MotoGP.

For Honda and Yamaha, the challenge is not just about developing better bikes but also about adjusting to the rapid evolution of the sport. The European manufacturers have pioneered new approaches to bike development, and the Japanese factories must now follow suit to remain competitive.

2025 could be a turning point for Honda and Yamaha

While Ezpeleta does not expect Honda and Yamaha to challenge for wins in 2025, he believes they will close the gap to the front-runners. Their progress will be closely monitored throughout the season, especially as both brands introduce new upgrades in response to their current struggles.

For Honda, the focus remains on rebuilding its MotoGP program following Marc Márquez’s departure and the struggles of its RC213V machine. Meanwhile, Yamaha is working to refine its YZR-M1, with Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins providing crucial development feedback.

As MotoGP’s concession system continues to play a role in balancing competition, the coming seasons will determine whether Honda and Yamaha can return to their former dominance—or if Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM will continue to lead the premier class.