The Japanese GP factories will be fighting for survival in 2024 and they have concessions to help. Here's what they will do…
It’s now or never for the Japanese GP factories, Honda and Yamaha, who are in the fight of their lives in 2024.
Series organiser Dorna hopes the struggles of Yamaha and Honda will be a temporary malaise after drastically revamping the MotoGP manufacturer concessions for 2024. So profound were the struggles of the Japanese factories in the first half of last year there were genuine fears either – or both – could withdraw from the premier class.
Dorna therefore spent the best part of half a year negotiating a new set of concessions to not only bring the ailing Japanese factories back up to speed, but limit Ducati’s current dominance. Unlimited testing at any circuit, 10 engines a season, and no engine freeze from the first round are available to both Honda and Yamaha this season, while Ducati can have no wildcards and its development rider Michele Pirro’s testing role will be more limited.
Thankfully, both Japanese factories are keen to take advantage. Yamaha has been aggressive in its hiring policy, scooping up Max Bartolini (technical director) and Marco Nicotra (senior aerodynamics engineer) from Ducati. Lead rider Fabio Quartararo has already noted a change in approach in the factory box.
For its part Honda has increased trackside personnel and upped its aerodynamics game over the recent off-season months. “We could see many new parts, a lot of changes inside the team, inside of Honda, and it’s clear they want to move on from this situation,” said Joan Mir. Expect improvements from both factories soon.
WORDS: NEIL MORRISON PHOTOS GOLD&GOOSE