Honda and Idemitsu Kosan: The Future of the Asian Rider Development

Through its activities in the Moto2 and Moto3 classes of the FIM^* Grand Prix World Championship and the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup (IATC), the program has sent numerous young talents to the world stage. Aimed at fostering motorsports culture in Asia and nurturing riders capable of competing at the highest global level, this initiative has been advancing these objectives for 13 years. We now look back at this journey.

At the start of the project, Honda/HRC operated teams in the Moto2 and Moto3 classes, identifying and developing talented riders from across Asia. In 2018, Japanese rider Takaaki Nakagami moved up to the MotoGP class and competed on the world’s premier stage. Furthermore, in 2025, Somkiat Chantra became the first Thai rider to reach the MotoGP class, a historic milestone demonstrating global recognition of Asia’s young rider development achievements.

In the IATC, Idemitsu Kosan has participated as the title sponsor, providing young riders with a gateway to the international stage. Over the years, many riders have progressed through Moto3 and Moto2 to the premier class, and the initiative has played a vital role in establishing a step-up pathway for Asian road racing.

On Friday, November 7, MotoGP promoter Dorna announced a restructuring of the step-up pathway leading to MotoGP. As part of this overhaul, the IATC will be relaunched as the “Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup” starting in 2026, serving as the entry point for discovering and developing young riders across Asia.

With a view to strengthening the rider development framework in the Asian region, Idemitsu Kosan has decided to “pause” its activities in the MotoGP class to focus on refining a clear step-up pathway through Moto4, Moto3, and Moto2, while discovering and developing young riders.

Honda/HRC deeply appreciates Idemitsu Kosan’s support to date and will continue its partnership in Asian rider development, working together to discover new talent.

^{*FIM is the abbreviation for the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (International Motorcycling Federation).}