The countdown that will bring the relationship between Alex Marquez and Honda to its conclusion in a few months is on. The couple only have nine Grands Prix left to live together in a context where the future destination of the rider towards the Gresini Ducati horizon is defined while his replacement at LCR Honda is now identified in the person of Alex Rins. Suddenly, there is not much holding the parties back from letting go of the past and the present situation. The proof…
Alex Marquez referred it to his big brother Marc with whom working ultimately ended up be a burden : he can't take this anymore Honda. He feels that to relaunch his career, he needs to change brands and what better than a Ducati with which eight riders currently say they are delighted. He will be one of them in 2023, within the team Gresini who would have done better according to Gigi Dall'Igna to sign Miguel Oliveira. The current 18th in the championship will be expected to show better than what he currently presents with the RC213V. Starting with Alberto Puig who wished him good luck in his own way, either by putting pressure on him…
Alex Marquez, who claims a single seventh place in Portimao as his best result at this stage of the competition, does not want to be trapped in this trap of the disappointed starter. He therefore recalls the reasons which led him to reorient himself in this way: all Honda riders need more improvement. Last year, we worked in the right direction at the end of the season. Marc even won a few races. Pol was also on the podium », he recalls on speedweek.
Alex Marquez: “ we still don't understand the front of this bike«
Then he elaborates: “ on this bike it will be important for HRC to make improvements after the summer break. You have a total of five weeks to work. Barcelona test data in June is crucial for this ". And listening to him, there is indeed work: “ our problem is not just grip on the rear wheel. Unfortunately, the front is too heavy or at least it doesn't match the rear, so we lose stability. We've been able to improve this a bit lately, but Honda needs to continue working on this. We still don't understand the front end of this bike. You have to find a good balance ».
The RC213V would thus develop a sort of mechanical schizophrenia, the front having a different personality from the rear and vice versa. The motorcycle would be like the horses described by a famous detective: dangerous at both ends and deceitful in the middle. In conclusion, Alex Marquez recalls the facts at their origins: “ all Honda riders agreed when it was said that there should be a new bike for this season. Honda wanted it too. In such a situation, progress may not be as great as hoped. We must accept this situation and then improve it”. Come on Alex, only nine Grands Prix left.
