Honda has officially explained its decision not to introduce significant upgrades during the recent Barcelona test.

While rival manufacturers made noticeable progress throughout the seven-hour session, Honda opted not to debut its 2025 prototype or any major new parts to improve performance.

This approach frustrated rider Joan Mir, who expressed his dissatisfaction: “The reality is that I didn’t have many things to test; I had already tested everything before. I’ve done 70 laps with things I’ve tested at least twice.” The absence of fresh updates was evident in the results, with Honda’s top performer, Johann Zarco, finishing 10th on the LCR-entered RC213V. Meanwhile, Mir and teammate Luca Marini ended the session in 15th and 18th places, respectively, on the factory bikes.

HRC boss Alberto Puig defended the decision, explaining that the team had already tested numerous components throughout the year, making it unnecessary to bring a dedicated 2025 prototype to Barcelona.

“The 2025 prototype is built when you have something that fits you,” Puig told DAZN. “Since we’ve done so many tests during the year, it didn’t make sense to bring the prototype here. We’ve had a ‘black’ bike for much of the year already.”

Honda plans to hold a private test in Jerez later this month, where some new upgrades might finally be ready for evaluation. However, the Barcelona test was critical for manufacturers to compare data directly with the previous weekend’s race at the same circuit.

Puig explained that Honda’s primary focus in Barcelona was addressing the persistent chattering issue that has plagued Mir in recent months.

“We had three important things to test, which we’ve been working on throughout the year, but no prototype as such,” Puig stated. “We’ve focused on stability, braking, and vibrations. It hasn’t been easy to solve the vibrations—it’s not typical chattering but something more significant, which heavily affects the riders. This issue is our biggest concern.”

Honda ended the 2024 season last in the constructors’ championship, scoring just 75 points. In the teams’ standings, LCR and HRC placed 10th and 11th, while Zarco was Honda’s highest-ranked rider, finishing 17th in the championship.

Despite the challenges, Puig acknowledged progress in recent months, with Zarco breaking into the top 10 in two races. “We end the year with the feeling of having made progress,” Puig noted. “The bike didn’t turn well earlier in the year, but after Misano, it started to improve—now it turns well.”

Honda also introduced Aleix Espargaro as their new test rider during the Barcelona session. Espargaro finished 14th, ahead of Mir and Marini. Puig praised Espargaro’s input, saying: “Aleix has the speed. We’re very happy with how he conveyed his opinion of the bike—clear, direct, and impartial. His feedback has been incredibly valuable.”