- Unchanged factory design for the 2026 MotoGP season
- Joan Mir and Luca Marini remain the rider duo
- Second year of partnership between Honda HRC and Castrol
After a period of sporting difficulties, Honda showed significant progress in the 2025 season. The presentation of the new factory colors for 2026 comes just before the official pre-season tests in Sepang and underlines the intention to continue on the path taken.
Familiar colors for the RC213V’s final year
Honda will once again be using the familiar red, blue, and white color scheme in 2026. There will be no major changes to the design. Castrol branding will remain, but will be more discreet than it was during the Repsol era. The RC213V will thus compete in the final year of the current 1,000cc era once again in the classic HRC livery. From 2027, Honda’s MotoGP motorcycle will compete under the name RC214V.
Stability in the factory team with Mir and Marini
Honda will continue to rely on the unchanged rider duo of Joan Mir and Luca Marini in 2026. Both are entering their third year together in the factory team. Marini impressed in 2025 with his consistency, missing the top ten only twice in the second half of the season. Mir provided the sporting highlights from the factory team’s perspective with podium finishes at Motegi and Sepang.
However, both riders are under pressure. Their contracts expire at the end of the season, and Honda is expected to be attractive again for top-class riders in 2027 due to its positive development. Honda did not want to comment on reports of a possible commitment from Fabio Quartararo from 2027 during the presentation.
Technical development and new starting position
The progress made in 2025 has lifted Honda out of the lower ranks of the Concessions System. For 2026, this means a higher classification, which, among other things, will limit testing opportunities. The regular factory riders will get their first ride on the 2026 RC213V at the official test in Sepang from February 3 to 5.
The partnership with Castrol is entering its second year. Honda emphasizes that the collaboration in the areas of fuels and lubricants is said to have led to measurable progress in 2025. This development path is to be continued in 2026.
Voices from the Honda camp
Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation, clearly sums up the season:
“It is a pleasure to help reveal the 2026 Honda HRC Castrol team and highlight our global effort to return to the top of the MotoGP World Championship.”
Team manager Alberto Puig refers to the basis of the current development:
“The foundation of Honda for 2026 is what we’ve done in 2025, there were solid developments on the technical side, and both riders were able to make progress.”
The riders themselves are also motivated. Luca Marini explains:
“Our objectives are clear: to be there fighting near the front and take full advantage of any and all opportunities which are presented to us.”
Joan Mir emphasizes the focus on consistency:
“In 2026 we need to find the consistency we struggled with last year.”
Anniversary year for Honda in the premier class
The 2026 season also marks a special anniversary. Sixty years ago, Honda entered the 500cc class for the first time. Since then, the manufacturer has racked up 314 victories in the premier class and over 2,300 podium finishes across all classes. The anniversary will be celebrated with various activities throughout the season.
However, the sporting focus is clearly on the start of the season. After the tests in Sepang, all eyes are already on the season opener at the Thailand Grand Prix at the end of February.
What does this mean for MotoGP fans?
For MotoGP fans, Honda’s appearance in the 2026 season means above all continuity with a clear sporting classification. The unchanged design signals that the manufacturer does not intend to reinvent the development path it has embarked upon, but rather to continue it in a targeted manner. At the same time, the improved form from last year ensures more realistic expectations of regular top ten results and occasional podium battles, rather than pure damage limitation. The personnel situation, with expiring contracts, possible top transfers for 2027, and the last year of the RC213V, adds extra excitement to the season off the track. Together with the 60th anniversary in the premier class, fans can look forward to a season that is more emotionally charged than many Honda years before.
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