Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe
Ken Kawauchi, Team Suzuki MotoGP Technical Manager
Autosport Plus
Analysis

The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form

Following Suzuki's decision to quit MotoGP, both of its former riders have landed at Honda for 2023. But perhaps its biggest signing from the now-defunct team could instead be a highly-rated technical manager. Is Ken Kawauchi the right man at the right time to steer HRC back to glory?

Honda was the only brand that failed to win a MotoGP race in 2022, finishing last in the world constructors' standings. The factory team, traditionally considered the paddock's biggest superpower, finished no higher than ninth out of 12 places in the teams' rankings. Meanwhile the best placed Honda rider in the championship was Marc Marquez in 13th, and he only scored in 10 of the 20 grands prix. Injuries that continued to plague him meant he missed eight races.

Honda's negative performance last year triggered a profound restructuring for 2023 both in its rider ranks, with the arrival of Joan Mir to the factory squad and Alex Rins to the satellite LCR structure, and at its technical level. Arguably the most interesting development is the hiring of Ken Kawauchi as the new technical manager. He replaces Takeo Yokoyama, who will now be in charge of supervising the engineering staff that Honda has in Japan.

Previous article KTM uncovers updated livery for 2023 MotoGP season
Next article Pedrosa to make KTM MotoGP wildcard outing in Spanish GP

More from German Garcia Casanova

Pramac MotoGP rider Morbidelli kept in hospital after heavy training fall

Pramac MotoGP rider Morbidelli kept in hospital after heavy training fall

MGP MotoGP
Pramac MotoGP rider Morbidelli kept in hospital after heavy training fall Pramac MotoGP rider Morbidelli kept in hospital after heavy training fall
What is 'videometry', the technique that is sweeping MotoGP in 2024

What is 'videometry', the technique that is sweeping MotoGP in 2024

MGP MotoGP
What is 'videometry', the technique that is sweeping MotoGP in 2024 What is 'videometry', the technique that is sweeping MotoGP in 2024
How Qatar is heralding a new age for motorsport in the Middle East

How Qatar is heralding a new age for motorsport in the Middle East

MGP MotoGP
Qatar GP
How Qatar is heralding a new age for motorsport in the Middle East How Qatar is heralding a new age for motorsport in the Middle East
Martin will get factory Ducati MotoGP seat if he wins championship in Valencia

Martin will get factory Ducati MotoGP seat if he wins championship in Valencia

MGP MotoGP
Valencia GP
Martin will get factory Ducati MotoGP seat if he wins championship in Valencia Martin will get factory Ducati MotoGP seat if he wins championship in Valencia
MotoGP planning 850cc engine rules for 2027

MotoGP planning 850cc engine rules for 2027

MGP MotoGP
Qatar GP
MotoGP planning 850cc engine rules for 2027 MotoGP planning 850cc engine rules for 2027
Red Bull to follow Marquez in ending Honda MotoGP relationship

Red Bull to follow Marquez in ending Honda MotoGP relationship

MGP MotoGP
Red Bull to follow Marquez in ending Honda MotoGP relationship Red Bull to follow Marquez in ending Honda MotoGP relationship
Ducati set to be hit with major MotoGP concession restrictions in 2024

Ducati set to be hit with major MotoGP concession restrictions in 2024

MGP MotoGP
Malaysian GP
Ducati set to be hit with major MotoGP concession restrictions in 2024 Ducati set to be hit with major MotoGP concession restrictions in 2024
How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team

How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team

Plus
Plus
MGP MotoGP
How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe