At the EURO MOTO Sportbike season finale at the Hockenheimring, there are several new developments in the RT Motorsports pit. With guest rider Daniel Mogeda, the team is fielding a Honda CBR600RR in the Sportbike class for the first time this weekend. For team manager Rob Vennegoor, this outing is one thing above all else: a test with an eye toward the future.
The connection to Honda isn't entirely new. Vennegoor has been in contact with the manufacturer since last year. He would like to return to the World Championship with RT Motorsports in 2027. Whether that will actually happen—and whether Honda will play a role in it—remains to be seen. At the same time, Vennegoor intends to continue competing in the EURO MOTO. Honda could be an option there as well.
Test first, then maybe make it to the podium
At Hockenheim, the initial focus will therefore be on gaining experience with the CBR600RR and getting to know the bike under race conditions. After the first free practice sessions, however, it’s certainly okay to look a little further ahead. “The goal for this weekend is really just to test the bike and gain experience. But after the first free practice sessions, things aren’t looking bad at all, and maybe we even have a chance at the podium. If the opportunity is there, why shouldn’t we take it?” says Vennegoor.
With 21-year-old Daniel Mogeda, RT Motorsports has a rider on board for the test who is already familiar with the sportbike class from the World Championship. There, the Spaniard enjoyed success on a Kawasaki in the Supersport 300 class. The transition to the Honda is therefore a significant one for him. “The Honda handles completely differently from the Kawasaki. I have to readjust my riding style and get used to the bike first. But it runs well and handles well,” Mogeda says, describing his first impressions.
As a result, RT Motorsports’ primary focus this weekend will be on gathering data and gaining experience. What this will mean for 2027 remains to be seen.