The loss of competitiveness of Japanese constructors in MotoGP in recent years was evident – to the point that they did not achieve any victories last year. Part of the difficulties originated in the years of the pandemic, where containment measures were much more aggressive in Japan than in Europe. And in 2024, the concession system was revised, providing important assistance to Honda and Yamaha.
The CEO of Dorna, Carmelo Ezpeleta, explained in an interview with Marca newspaper: ‘The Covid-19 pandemic caused much more damage in Japan. It had nothing to do with it. Japan completely stopped and in Europe work continued, which resulted in differences that brought back the concessions to allow them to recover lost time. I am sure that, first, they will return; and second, it is fair because Honda and Yamaha did the same at the time‘.
The Spanish executive added: ‘When they won the World Championship, they were generous enough to provide concessions that allowed other constructors, first Ducati, and then Suzuki, KTM, and Aprilia, to become competitive again‘.
