Honda is completely lost in MotoGP: Is that why HRC lacks the necessary resources to develop the Fireblade in the Superbike World Championship?
HRC, Honda’s motorcycle racing division, which is accustomed to success, is probably in the midst of its biggest crisis. In MotoGP, Honda has been lagging behind for several years and has fallen significantly behind its European competitors.
And the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer has also been embarrassing itself in the Superbike World Championship since its factory return just over four years ago. The Fireblade, which has been revised for the 2024 season, has so far failed to make any headway in the production-based championship.
A lack of traction, an engine that is far too aggressive and problems with turning have set the Honda riders back in the Superbike World Championship. We spoke exclusively with HRC Team Manager Jose Escamez and asked why Honda is taking so long to make the Superbike a success
HRC team manager: “Didn’t expect to have these problems “
“We are going step by step. To be honest, we didn’t expect to have these problems,” admits the Spaniard, who came to WSBK from MotoGP last winter and took over from Leon Camier, who moved to Marc-VDS-Ducati.
“We need time to improve. The way we work in the company has changed,”
“We can now react much faster. But we also have some problems in MotoGP. But that should not be an excuse. But MotoGP is Honda’s biggest priority,” says Jose Escamez, referring to the problems in the premier class.
HRC rider Xavi Vierge contradicts team manager Jose Escamez
The WSBK team manager confirms that Honda’s problems in MotoGP are having an impact on the Superbike project. Factory rider Xavi Vierge, however, sees things differently.
“Honda is big and has enough people for all projects. Of course Honda wants to win in every class. I don’t think that MotoGP is a distraction”,
But how long will Honda continue to lag behind in the Superbike World Championship? “There will be changes soon,” promises HRC team manager Jose Escamez. “It took a while to recognize the problems. Now we know what the problem is. But we need time to deliver the right solutions and test them on the track.”
Progress is urgently needed, as tenth places have been the maximum so far this season. Xavi Vierge is 14th in the world championship after three of twelve events, making him the best Honda rider. Among the manufacturers, Honda is in last place
