There are clear signs that Honda Racing Corporation, better known as HRC, is finally waking up. Over the past year, the famous Japanese factory has begun to show real progress, and as the 2026 MotoGP season approaches, there is a growing feeling that Honda are ready to fight at the front again.

Honda is one of the most successful manufacturers in MotoGP history, standing proudly alongside fellow Japanese giant Yamaha Motor Company. For many years, winning races and championships was normal for them. However, recent seasons have been very difficult. European manufacturers such as Ducati, Aprilia Racing and KTM have taken control of the sport, leaving Honda struggling to keep up. Podium finishes became rare, and victories even rarer.

There were still moments of hope. In 2023, Alex Rins delivered a memorable win at the Americas Grand Prix. Then Johann Zarco gave Honda an emotional victory in front of his home crowd at the French Grand Prix. Although two wins in three seasons is not enough for a team with Honda’s history, those results proved that success was still possible.

The improvement did not stop there. Zarco followed his win with a second-place finish at Silverstone, and in 2025 Joan Mir secured podium finishes in Japan and Malaysia. These results showed that Honda’s progress was not just luck but the result of steady development.

Winter testing in Sepang gave even more reason for optimism. Test rider Aleix Espargaro described the 2026 RC213V as the best MotoGP bike he has ever ridden, which is high praise from a rider with race-winning experience. Mir also spoke positively after the official test, saying he felt confident and comfortable on the bike. He admitted there are still areas to improve, especially rear grip, but he called it the best package he has had since joining Honda. His lap times supported his words, as he was competitive throughout the test and made a clear step forward compared to the previous year.

Team manager Alberto Puig explained that the progress is not the result of one major change, but many small improvements. The bike is lighter, the engine performance is better, and several weak areas have been addressed. None of these changes alone is dramatic, but together they have made a significant difference. Puig has made it clear that the goal is simple: to return to winning as soon as possible.

Honda may not yet be the outright favourite, as Ducati and Aprilia still appear slightly stronger overall, but the gap is closing. There is a new sense of belief within the team, and many in the paddock now expect Honda to challenge for victories in 2026. After several difficult seasons, the sleeping giant of MotoGP looks ready to compete at the highest level once again.