Honda's highly anticipated debut of its new 850cc engine faced a major setback: the weather! The Sepang International Circuit test, meant to showcase the engine's potential, was heavily impacted by relentless rain, leaving the team scrambling for valuable data.
Last week, Honda's test and development team traveled to Malaysia for the final test of the year before the Christmas break. However, the persistent downpour throughout the three-day test significantly hampered their primary goal: gathering meaningful data with their prototype 2027 engine.
Sources indicate that HRC's test rider, Takaaki Nakagami, took to the track with a conventional bike equipped with a reduced aerodynamic package and the new 850cc engine, which will be introduced under the 2027 regulations. He was tasked with testing the wet and dry tire compounds Pirelli is developing to replace Michelin as MotoGP's official tire supplier in 2027. Unfortunately, Nakagami managed only a few laps on slick tires, preventing Honda from collecting crucial data in dry conditions.
For Honda, the Sepang test was the last chance to fully utilize its D-level concessions, having secured 35% of the available points during the 2025 season, which moved them into Group C. But here's where it gets controversial... This 'promotion' means HRC's development team will face restrictions in 2026. They will no longer have unrestricted testing opportunities and will be limited by the number of tires each rider can use per season (260). Furthermore, Honda's regular riders will be barred from private tests.
As a result, like Ducati (Group A), KTM, and Aprilia (both Group C), Honda will have to rely on Pirelli's organized tests in 2026 - currently anticipated to be two - to test the new compounds. Alternatively, they can divide the remaining tests between running the 2026 and 2027 bikes.
To that end, Aleix Espargaro will focus on refining the final version of the RC213V, while Nakagami will work with the new RC214V. Espargaro is expected to join the 2027 project mid-season.
During the Sepang test, the Japanese test rider was able to test the new Pirelli wet tires, a compound no other manufacturer has had a chance to test. Other teams used Pirelli's dry tires at the Misano test in September, while KTM also tested its 2027 bike in a private session at Jerez in November.
And this is the part most people miss... The impact of these weather-related setbacks could significantly affect Honda's development trajectory for the 2027 season. It's a race against time, with limited testing opportunities and the pressure to catch up with competitors.
What are your thoughts on Honda's situation? Do you think the weather played a significant role in their setbacks? Share your opinions in the comments below!
