Honda’s internal restructuring continues in MotoGP, with Research and Development president Hikaru Tsukamoto transferred to another role.
Motorsport has learned that the engineer will be transferred to China in April – when such changes traditionally take effect on the Japanese corporate calendar.
The news circulated in the MotoGP paddock in Buriram – where the 2026 season opener is taking place this weekend – in the last few days, with many wishing Tsukamoto well.
Tsukamoto’s remit covered all of the Japanese manufacturer’s two-wheel activities. Honda is yet to announce his replacement, but is widely expected to promote internally.
This decision is the latest in a series of recent changes undertaken by Honda as it seeks to reclaim a leading role in the world championship.
In that context, Romano Albesiano’s appointment as technical director from Aprilia in 2025 was interpreted as a clear statement of intent.
Earlier, back in 2024, Honda Racing Corporation general manager Tetsuhiro Kuwata was replaced by Taichi Honda, who joined from the company’s off-road division.
Koji Watanabe, Hikaru Tsukamoto
Photo by: Gold and Goose Photography / LAT Images / via Getty Images
Motorsport understands that Tsukamoto’s exit will have no bearing on Fabio Quartararo’s planned arrival