Kawauchi joined the Japanese brand’s racing department from Suzuki at the beginning of the 2023 season. Despite high expectations due to Suzuki’s success in winning the Drivers’ World Championship in 2020 with Joan Mir, Honda has struggled to change the course of its MotoGP season and close the gap with the leading Ducati team.
Over the past year and a half, Kawauchi served as a link between Honda’s two workshops, the factory team, and the satellite LCR team managed by Lucio Checchinello. However, Kawauchi has now begun working with the test team, a change that has been in effect since the last few Grands Prix.
Honda confirmed the change in a statement to on Thursday before the race in Motegi: “Ken Kawauchi will now work in a technical role with the HRC test team. He will share the experience and knowledge he gained during his time in racing with this team.”
“As the importance of the test team increases and the plan is to have three riders by 2025, it is crucial to have someone experienced in all aspects of development.”
The vacancy left by Kawauchi in the race team will be filled by Mikihiko Kawase, who has been promoted from Honda’s racing department HRC, where he joined in 2012.
