Honda’s rise in the MotoGP concession system means its race riders will no longer be allowed to take part in private testing. As a result, factory test riders Aleix Espargaro and Takaaki Nakagami will shoulder a heavier development workload in 2026, especially as Honda begins work on its new 850cc prototype on Pirelli tyres.
Speaking at the Valencia finale, where he rode the 2026 RCV as a wild-card, Espargaro explained how Honda intends to split responsibilities in the early phase of development.
He confirmed that Nakagami will handle the initial testing of the 850cc bike and the Pirelli package during the first three months of the year, while technical director Romano Albesiano has asked Espargaro to remain focused on refining the 2026 machine. Espargaro will begin work on the 850cc project during the summer.
Honda will also freeze its 1000cc engine specification from the opening round in Thailand, aligning with Ducati, KTM and Aprilia. Espargaro noted that Honda introduced three major engine updates this year, fully aware that concessions would soon be reduced. He believes the current engine is already competitive, with some room for improvement before the 2026 season starts.
Once the new season begins, development of the existing 1000cc bike will effectively wind down as Honda shifts its attention toward the full 850cc prototype planned for 2027. Despite the loss of full concessions, Espargaro expects his workload to remain similar, as he will transition to Pirelli testing from mid-season onward.
Espargaro retired from full-time racing last year and joined Honda’s test team alongside Albesiano, while Nakagami also moved into a test rider role after seven seasons with LCR.
