Is Honda’s MotoGP future in doubt?

These were introduced soon after the turn of the century, so that new or struggling constructors might have the chance to catch up… with Honda and Yamaha. All three European marques benefitted from extra freedoms at a time of increasingly restrictive tech rules. The benefits included free testing, where the top teams had strictly limited opportunities; and even more importantly the freedom to develop engines during the season, while the big boys had to finalise technical specs before the start of the season, and stick with them.

Since some think Honda’s problems stem from poor throttle response due to unsuitable crankshaft inertia, and Yamaha’s from a basic shortage of torque and horsepower, the chance to change their engines could make all the difference.

Let’s hope so. If Honda – the most successful make in 75 years of the championship – were to walk away, it would not be for the first time; but GP racing without Yamaha has been unthinkable since the 1960s.

Images courtesy of Motorsport Images.