EN JA
IBM Japan and HRC Sign Sponsorship Agreement AI-Driven Rider Development Initiative to be Launched
MotoGP
Feature

IBM Japan and HRC Sign Sponsorship Agreement AI-Driven Rider Development Initiative to be Launched

Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) and IBM Japan, Ltd. have entered into a sponsorship agreement under which IBM Japan will serve as the official AI partner of Honda HRC Castrol in the MotoGP World Championship. Through this partnership, the two companies will begin collaborative use of AI to enhance evaluation and analysis processes in the development of young riders aiming to compete in the MotoGP class.

In motorcycle racing, competitiveness is shaped by a complex interplay of factors, including rider skill, machine characteristics, and race conditions. HRC has traditionally developed young riders through a combination of riding data and expert insight. This new initiative builds on that foundation by integrating AI-driven analysis with human expertise, with the aim of deepening understanding of each rider and elevating the overall quality of development.

The analytical platform developed by IBM Japan will leverage its AI technologies to examine riding data in detail, identify rider characteristics, and clarify strengths and areas for improvement. Based on these insights, the system will provide data to support performance development. By complementing expert judgment, AI enables more efficient and fair evaluation of a greater number of riders.

Yuzuru Ishikawa, General Manager, Motorcycle Racing Division, Honda Racing Corporation
“This collaboration with IBM Japan to apply AI represents a new step forward—combining human observation with AI-driven analysis to further expand the possibilities of rider development. While valuing the power of people, we aim to create an environment that supports development at an even higher level.”

HRC continues to pursue victory in the most demanding racing environments. By actively integrating advanced technologies such as AI into its rider development system, HRC aims to strengthen its pipeline and nurture the next generation of riders who will take on the challenge of winning at the highest level.