Honda’s much awaited debut of its new 850cc engine got off to a frustrating start as heavy rain disrupted the Sepang test. The Japanese manufacturer had planned to use the opening days in Malaysia to gather crucial data and understand how the revised power unit behaves on track, but changing weather conditions significantly reduced the amount of meaningful running.
The test at Sepang International Circuit was seen as an important milestone in Honda’s development programme. Engineers and riders were eager to assess performance, throttle response and overall reliability of the 850cc engine under stable dry conditions. Instead, persistent rain left the circuit damp for most sessions, forcing the team to adopt a cautious approach and limiting opportunities to push the new engine to its limits.
With grip levels constantly fluctuating, Honda focused mainly on system checks and baseline setup work rather than performance runs. Riders completed only short stints as the track slowly dried, making it difficult to form clear conclusions or compare the new engine against rival packages. Long run simulations and detailed evaluations were largely postponed, adding to the sense of unfinished business at the end of the test.
Despite the setback, Honda remained calm in its assessment. Team members acknowledged the disappointment of losing valuable track time but emphasized that the debut was always going to be part of a longer development process. More testing opportunities are scheduled, and the manufacturer is confident that clearer answers will emerge once conditions allow uninterrupted running.
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