Honda’s remarkable turnaround in MotoGP has drawn widespread praise after a strong performance in the opening rounds of the 2024 season. Despite being the weakest of the five manufacturers last year, Honda has shown significant improvement, with three riders finishing inside the top 10 at the Argentina MotoGP—an impressive statement of intent.
Lewis Duncan, speaking on the Crash MotoGP podcast, acknowledged Honda’s progress during winter testing but admitted the speed of their resurgence was surprising. However, he pointed out that the bike’s lack of power remains an issue, particularly when battling against other riders. As a result, qualifying has become crucial for Honda’s race-day success.
Leading Honda’s charge is Johann Zarco, who has delivered standout performances. He qualified third in Argentina and finished P4 in the sprint and P6 in the main race—results that would have been unimaginable just a year ago. Duncan confessed he was initially skeptical of Zarco’s move to Honda, given that the Frenchman turned down a potential future with Ducati, including a path to World Superbikes.
“I didn’t really get the logic,” Duncan admitted. “But fair play to Zarco—he has been Honda’s leading light. The podium is coming—it’s just a matter of time. Maybe in Austin, certainly Jerez where power isn’t a problem.”
Zarco’s progress isn’t the only positive sign for Honda. Luca Marini also had his best weekend on a Honda, further underlining the manufacturer’s resurgence. Duncan even suggested that, coming out of Argentina, Honda could currently be considered the second-best manufacturer on the grid—outperforming KTM, Yamaha, and Aprilia, and trailing only the dominant Ducati.
Honda’s upward trajectory could continue, thanks to the concessions rule, which allows them extra development opportunities. Additionally, they benefit from experienced test riders like Aleix Espargaro and Takaaki Nakagami, whose competitive racing careers only recently ended.
Another key factor is the arrival of new technical director Romano Albesiano. While his influence on the current bike has yet to be felt, Duncan believes his expertise could elevate Honda’s performance even further. Zarco himself credited the Japanese engineers for the bike’s progress and suggested that Albesiano’s future input would only strengthen the team.
“This isn’t a flash in the pan,” Duncan concluded. “Honda are legitimate contenders, and they can aim to be the second-best manufacturer this year.”
