MotoGP™ heads to Buriram for the 2025 season opener at the end of February, but before the first race, bikes are already on track in the far east. Ahead of an important season for the brand, Honda is conducting a private two-day test at Chang International Circuit, with Aleix Espargaro on track and new Technical Director Romano Albesiano leading from behind the scenes.
This marks Albesiano’s first track appearance with Honda, having missed the Barcelona test due to commitments with Aprilia at the time. The Italian, who played a key role in transforming Aprilia into a competitive force, is now tasked with helping Honda reclaim its former glory.
For Espargaro, he’s reportedly partnered by Takaaki Nakagami in Buriram, with both riders stepping into new roles after retiring from full-time racing at the end of 2024. Espargaro took to Instagram to tease the test and reveal both him and Albesiano in Honda colours.
Honda are eligible for further testing due to their concessions grading in the recently revamped MotoGP concessions system. We will see them in action once again at the Sepang Shakedown Test from January 31st to February 2nd, which will be followed by the Official Sepang Test on February 5th.
These early-season tests coincide with the 2025 Team Presentations, where Honda’s factory team will reveal their new livery on February 1st, with LCR Honda unveiling their bikes a week later on February 8th.