The announcement that Daijiro Kato, now riding a Honda 500 two-stroke, will get a V-5 four-stroke similar to Valentino Rossi’s has serious implications for MotoGP. Specifically, it means Honda is now beginning to develop V-5 machines for privateer teams (there is also a rumor that Capirossi or Barros may get one before the end of the year, as well).
While other teams are still on a steep development curve, Honda is satisfied enough with its four-stroke to share the wealth, so to speak, with other riders.
With four-stroke talents like Eric Bostrom and Troy Bayliss still unsigned for next year, can Honda be courting riders for V-5 MotoGP rides in 2003? It is certainly a possibility. Any way you look at it, Honda plans to keep its competitors playing catch up as long as possible in the four-stroke race.
