There have been significant shifts in MotoGP in recent seasons, with the emphasis seemingly moving from Japan to Europe. In reality, it is easy to overlook the fact that the Japanese manufacturers absolutely dominated the industry from 2008 to 2021, with Ducati just regaining their title of global champion in 2022. The Honda-Marquez dominance of recent years, however, seems to have ended in 2019. Yamaha, who won with Quartararo in 2021, continues to use an M1 that is currently in net horsepower debt to competitor motorcycles after Suzuki withdrew, having given Mir the championship in 2020 and winning the last race in 2022. These days, Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia are the most competitive motorcycles and Rins' triumph with Honda in Austin was due to a confluence of circumstances that are unlikely to recur this year. The reduction in competitiveness has many in the paddock scared that the two remaining Japanese manufacturers may pull out of MotoGP, and nobody wants to see champions like Marquez and Quartararo struggling to keep up.
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MotoGP: Dorna in Discussion with European Manufacturers
Something seems to be in motion to effect changes in the existing environment, and sources claim that Dorna is well aware of the need of restoring balance amongst rivals. After the Stoner period, Ducati found itself with a bike that was indigestible to any rider, and this situation has some similarities. To aim to bring the season's top riders closer together, the Open period started with bikes that allowed for significant adjustments during the year. Engineers now have greater leeway in terms of private testing, engine autonomy, and overall design independence.
To prevent the possibility of the two heavyweights really deciding to give up their commitment to MotoGP, Dorna is reportedly encouraging Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia to provide concessions to Honda and Yamaha in advance. Ducati has previously ruled out altering the racing weekend schedule for the next season. The plan was to make FP2 the sole session that counted towards qualifying for Q2, with FP1 serving as an optional practice that wouldn't affect placement. Ducati was unwilling to agree since it now has an obvious technological edge that it desperately wants to protect.
Also Read: MotoGP: 'You’re Paid to Ride a Bike, Not to be a Princess', Says KTM's Jack Miller to Moaning Rivals
MotoGP: Honda’s 2023 Season
Marc Marquez had a disastrous weekend at both Sachsenring and Assen, forcing him to withdraw from both grand prix. In Mugello, Marquez met with top Honda officials to discuss the company's reaction to its current predicament. The future of this situation will go a long way toward calming fears that the RC213V has caused an increase in injury rates among Honda riders.
The meeting lasted for a total of 25 minutes in Honda's RV. Marquez and Aoyama met with Honda Racing Corporation (the racing division) president Koji Watanabe, who has overseen both the motorcycle and car operations since last year. Those closest to the riders are concerned that they may suffer another injury.
This has not been a good year for Repsol Honda. Honda, though, has a reputation to uphold and will continue to fight for a return to MotoGP's upper echelons. The Japanese has already helped Red Bull Racing in F1 to win the drivers' and constructors' titles. Marc Marquez has demonstrated his confidence in the Japanese giant by saying he believes Honda has what it takes to return to the top of the grid.
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