Romano Albesiano confident Honda can return to MotoGP competitiveness

Honda’s technical director Romano Albesiano believes the manufacturer has the resources to reclaim its place at the top of MotoGP.

Romano Albesiano of Italy, technical director of Honda HRC (L), speaks with Alberto Puig of Spain in the garage during the Thailand MotoGP Test at Chang International Circuit on February 12, 2025, in Buriram, Thailand. Photo by Mirco Lazzari/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Romano Albesiano has taken on a crucial role at Honda in MotoGP, arriving this season as the technical director with the clear mission of restoring the manufacturer to the front of the premier class. The Japanese brand has struggled in recent years, but Albesiano sees promising signs that a return to competitiveness is achievable.

Speaking to Speedweek, the Italian engineer expressed optimism about Honda’s progress, emphasizing that recent changes to the bike are already making a difference.

"We are now seeing some changes to the bike that are proof that it’s possible. If we do things correctly, our bike will be better. The reality is that we’ve improved in a short amount of time."

Honda’s recent struggles have been well documented, with the manufacturer falling behind its European rivals Ducati and KTM. However, Albesiano, who previously played a key role in Aprilia’s MotoGP development, believes that Honda possesses all the necessary resources to close the gap.

A new approach for Honda’s MotoGP revival

Albesiano acknowledged that he was not part of Honda’s technical group in previous seasons, making it difficult to analyze past decisions. However, he made it clear that the company’s future success depends on stability, structured development, and maximizing its existing strengths.

"What I know is that if we work normally, methodically, and on a stable basis nowadays, then that’s the key to continuously improving performance. That’s no secret. With the potential of this company, we should normally achieve good results."

Honda has undergone significant changes in its MotoGP program in response to recent struggles. The departure of Marc Marquez, its most successful rider of the modern era, marked a turning point. Without Marquez’s talent to compensate for weaknesses, Honda has had to shift its focus toward long-term technical improvements.

Honda’s technical potential and racing heritage

Despite recent challenges, Albesiano remains convinced that Honda is still one of the most technically capable manufacturers in MotoGP. He highlighted the scale and expertise of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), noting that the company’s resources should be more than enough to restore its competitive edge.

"Honda has great resources; we do what is necessary. Honda has, potentially, the strongest racing department. I’m sure of that. The size, the level, the technical potential of HRC and Honda as a whole is very high."

However, he also acknowledged that having power and potential is not enough—it needs to be effectively translated into performance on the track.

"It’s like a very powerful engine: you have to put the power on the ground. That’s our goal."

The challenge ahead for Honda

Honda’s decline in MotoGP has been linked to several factors, including difficulties in adapting to modern aerodynamics, the shift towards ride-height devices, and a lack of grip compared to its rivals. Ducati, in particular, has set new standards with its innovative approach, leaving Honda struggling to keep up.

The 2025 season presents a crucial opportunity for Honda to demonstrate that it is on the right path. Albesiano’s arrival signals a shift in approach, bringing in expertise from a European manufacturer that has already shown how to build a competitive MotoGP bike.

Can Honda return to the top?

For Albesiano, the key to Honda’s success lies in patience and strategic execution. While immediate results may not be guaranteed, the technical director is confident that a methodical and well-structured approach will yield progress.

With the backing of HRC’s vast resources and a renewed focus on development, Honda is determined to end its period of struggle and re-establish itself as a title contender. The next few races will provide a clearer picture of whether Albesiano’s vision is starting to take shape.