Taking into consideration the performance and results from last year, Honda and Yamaha were placed at the level with more benefits of the new MotoGP concessions system. Therefore, they can enjoy more opportunities and leeway in the development of the bikes than the other three manufacturers.
However, concessions alone will not make a difference if not taken advantage of. This was emphasized by Dennis Noyes on the Cinta Americana podcast, starting by pointing out from the example of the Americas GP:
– What do concessions mean? This means they can introduce new engines, they can introduce different aerodynamic solutions. But so far they are behind compared to last year. […] Last year Álex [Rins] won [on the LCR Honda]. This year, the only Honda that finished was [Luca] Marini, 28 seconds slower. […] Fabio [Quartararo] was 13.8 seconds slower with the new bike. Ducati improved subtly: Marini was second last year and [Enea] Bastianini was third this year and was 5.8s faster. In KTM we compare Augusto Fernández who was tenth last year, with Pedro Acosta second this year, 31 seconds faster. And in Aprilia, [Maverick] Viñales was fifth last year, this year won 13.3s faster. This is concerning.
The American then stated: ‘Now there are many opportunities for Honda and Yamaha to do special tests. But a friend of mine who works in the Grand Prix told me that these concessions depend on the factories, depend on their skill and the intensity they give to the need to solve this problem‘.
Noyes compared MotoGP concessions to the case of a student who is struggling to pass: ‘He says it’s like if a student is on the verge of failing algebra, they make a special concession and leave the library open all night so he can come in and study. Well, it depends on whether he takes advantage of this opportunity or not. Because concessions alone do not necessarily mean they will improve. Right now I am concerned about the Japanese brands‘.
