69
Since Marc Marquez left Honda at the end of 2023, a shift in mentality has been required at Honda HRC, with 2024 being a challenging year and the manufacturer looking to the future. Like fellow Japanese manufacturer Yamaha, they’ ve been overthrown from their chair at the top in recent years by the return to force of the European manufacturers but that doesn’ t mean Honda HRC are down and out completely. 2020 World Champion Joan Mir, Luca Marini, Johann Zarco and Thailand’ s Somkiat Chantra will work intensely to deliver results, of which their best in 2024 was a P8 by Zarco at Buriram. But work is being undertaken behind the scenes; Honda have poached ex-Aprilia technical director Romano Albesiano, who was part of the Noale brand in that role since 2013, replacing Gigi Dall’ Igna who moved to Ducati. This time, Albesiano replaces Ken Kawauchi, who moves to the test team, which also has a new face. Takaaki Nakagami remains in the Honda ecosystem and is joined by ex-GP winner Aleix Espargaro. Having two ex-Aprilia personnel in Espargaro and Albesiano may be just a small part of what is needed to turn the Honda HRC ship around. They’ ve been testing privately in Thailand, so no stone is going left unturned ahead of 2025 – which will also feature a fresh livery too.
Sulla scia dell’ addio di Marc Marquez, che ha lasciato il marchio giapponese dopo sei titoli della classe regina conquistati insieme, Honda a fine 2023 ha dovuto voltare pagina. Come successo a Yamaha, il costruttore nipponico negli ultimi anni ha sofferto la crescita degli avversari europei. Ma non per questo si può ritenere fuori dai giochi. Il suo assalto è guidato dal campione del mondo del 2020 Joan Mir, al quale si affiancano Luca Marini, Johann Zarco e il thailandese Somkiat Chantra. Il francese, in particolare, finora ha brillato vincendo l’ appuntamento di Le Mans e salendo sul podio a Silverstone.
A dare impulso sul fronte tecnologico è il nuovo direttore tecnico Romano Albesiano, arrivato dall’ Aprilia, dove era sbarcato nel 2013 per sostituire Gigi Dall ' Igna, passato alla Ducati. Albesiano prende il posto di Ken Kawauchi, ora al lavoro insieme a un test team che conta sul supporto di un volto nuovo, quello di Aleix Espargaro, che in MotoGP ha vinto tre gare con Aprilia, proprio nell’ era di Albesiano. Fra i collaudatori anche Takaaki Nakagami.
Showcase your company to passionate bikers! Adrenaline-pumping opportunities await with In2 Publishing. Don ' t miss out! Contact us now!
Charlie Wise- Publishing Director charlie @ in2publishing. co. uk + 44( 0) 7787 565 771
MADE IN THE UK
Manufactured by Experienced Engineers in The United Kingdom at our Factory in Hainault, Essex.
SUSPENSION
From Offroad Competition to Everyday Commuter we Cater for all Aspects of Motorcycling.
• From Vintage Twin Shock to Modern Day Mono Shocks
• Built to Your Requirements( Rider Weights, Usage, Seat Height Etc)
• Direct Replacement, Bolt on & Ready to go.
• All Tools Required for Adjustment Supplied.
FORK SPRINGS
• Progressively Wound
• Can be Supplied as a Kit with Recommended Oil
2 YEAR WARRANTY
All our Hagon suspension products come with a full two-year warranty from the original date of purchase.
WHEEL BUILDING
• From Spoked Wheel Restorations to Supermoto Conversions
• We Offer Supply of Spokes, Nipples & Rims
• Polish, Powder-Coat & Anodised Finishes Available
• From a Complete Build or Supply of Components to Carry out Yourself