Honda comments on DCT gearbox rumours

HRC vice president Shuhei Nakamoto sought to stamp-out rumours from Italy that Honda is harnessing 'Dual Clutch Technology' (which isn't allowed) in its MotoGP bike, but did admit to some kind of new transmission development.

During a press conference at Sepang, GPOne.com quotes Nakamoto as saying:

"Obviously HRC is not using anything illegal, but it's true that we have something new on the transmission that currently... allows for faster gear changes. We are not talking about a DCT, but I can't tell you how it works... because I don't know!"

Faster gear changes may also help explain why the Honda riders seem to have superior acceleration compared to their rivals.