Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

USA
Pol Espargaro, Repsol Honda Team, Jack Miller, Ducati Team
Prime
Opinion

Why Honda and Yamaha have been left behind in MotoGP's new era

OPINION: The once all-conquering Japanese manufacturers are going through a difficult period in MotoGP this season. With Suzuki quitting, Honda struggling to get near the podium and Yamaha only enjoying success courtesy of Fabio Quartararo, Japanese manufacturers have been left in the dust by their European counterparts. This is why.

The Japanese traditions of racing that led Honda and Yamaha to dominate MotoGP have become their main burdens at a time when the championship has required manufacturers to modernise their structures and adapt to the new times.

Although that impression could be viewed as subjective, the statistics are not. Two weeks ago, at Sachsenring, Honda failed to score points for the first time in a grand prix since 1982. A week later it was Yamaha who left Assen with nothing for the first time since Misano 1989. Those two eventualities are too extraordinary not to be related, a suspicion that is absolutely validated when one digs a little beyond the results and talks to members of both teams.

Previous article Bezzecchi “doesn’t want to expect” MotoGP podiums after Assen success
Next article Vinales “the happiest man in the world” after Aprilia MotoGP podium

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

USA