Honda knows: “If we can’t do it” / Superbike World Championship

Honda Racing Corporation returned to the World Superbike Championship four years ago with the CBR1000RR-R and an official factory team. The third ‘R’ was meant to indicate that this is a sporty version of the Fireblade that was developed for extreme racing use.

So far, only five third places have been achieved. Alvaro Bautista (2020/21) managed three, as did current factory drivers Iker Lecuona (Assen 2022) and Xavi Vierge (Mandalika 2023).

Remarkable: Honda’s last victory came from Nicky Hayden in the wet chaos of Sepang 2016, the last win on dry land was ten years ago by Jonathan Rea at Portimao 2014!

Triple-R’s latest relationship style seems to have a little competition! “We have already made a step forward, but the opponents’ step was greater,” admitted the new Honda team manager Jose Escamez in the motosprint. “So what is certain is that we have not done enough: we must be honest with ourselves, but at the same time I am sure that we will get where we want to be. We should at least be close to the decisive positions and not always finish twelve seconds behind the winner – being six to eight seconds behind will be the first result.

Escamez knows: Given the continued lack of success in MotoGP and the World Superbike Championship, the reputation of the once-glorious Honda Racing Organization is collapsing. “Four years have already passed since the start of the new project. So it seems that we cannot do better – but we will succeed,” the successor of Leon Camier is convinced. “What motivates me is the changed approach at Honda; the speed of response has increased. So I am sure that all projects can benefit from it. By the end of the season we will be further ahead and raise the level for next year.”