Honda has faced problems during its first test of the new 850cc MotoGP engine. The test took place at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, but heavy rain caused major disruption.

Honda’s test team travelled to Sepang for the final test of the year before the Christmas break. The main goal was to collect data on its new engine, which is being built for the 2027 MotoGP rules. Sadly, rain fell on all three days of the test, making proper testing almost impossible.

Test rider Takaaki Nakagami rode a standard Honda bike fitted with the new 850cc engine. The bike also used a simpler aerodynamic package than current MotoGP motorcycles. This setup is closer to what Honda expects to use in 2027.

Because of the weather, Nakagami rode mostly in wet conditions. He was able to try both wet and dry Pirelli tyres, which are being developed for 2027. Pirelli will replace Michelin as MotoGP’s tyre supplier from that year. However, Nakagami only completed a few laps on slick (dry) tyres, which meant Honda could not collect useful dry-weather data.

This Sepang test was very important for Honda. It was the last chance to use its special testing advantages, known as D-level concessions. Honda earned enough points during the 2025 season to move up to Group C, which brings more limits.

From 2026, Honda will no longer be allowed to test freely whenever it wants. Each rider will also have a strict tyre limit for the season, and regular race riders will not be allowed to do private tests.

Because of these limits, Honda will have to wait for official Pirelli test sessions in 2026. At the moment, only two such tests are expected. Honda may also need to split its testing time between the 2026 bike and the future 2027 bike.

Honda plans to divide this work between two riders. Aleix Espargaro will focus on improving the current RC213V, while Nakagami will continue developing the new RC214V for 2027. Espargaro is expected to join the 2027 project later in the season.

One small positive for Honda is that Nakagami managed to test Pirelli’s new wet tyres. No other manufacturer has tried these tyres yet. Other teams tested Pirelli’s dry tyres earlier this year at Misano, and KTM also tested its 2027 bike privately at Jerez.