Luca Marini continues to make progress on the Honda RC213V, and after an encouraging performance at Phillip Island he is focusing on making key adjustments to improve his results. The Italian finished the Australian Grand Prix in 14th place, having set the fastest lap of the Honda riders on the penultimate lap of the race.
Despite a difficult start, Marini was able to get back up, but his difficulties in heating the rear tire have handicapped him, as he explains: “ It cost us so many laps to get the temperature up on the edge of the harder compound of the rear tyre. We are not able to fight with the others, especially against KTM and Aprilia. We are slow at first, but After six laps, when the rear tire was ready, the pace became super competitive »
The problem, according to Marini, resides in the weight distribution of the motorcycle, a crucial factor in using the potential of tires Michelin . " It's a question of weight distribution. We have so much weight up front because in the past, successful motorcycles were built that way, especially with Bridgestone tires. But today, With Michelin, the rear is the best part of the tires, and we are not able to fully exploit it “, he explains.
Luca Marini: “ we have to watch KTM and if we can do that we can fight for P7 or P8 »
The solution for Luca marini and his team Honda is clear: adjust the weight distribution to load the rear tire more, as their competitors do. He highlights in particular the example of KTM, renowned for its ability to quickly heat the rear tires: “ I think we should especially watch KTM, because they are the masters in this field. They push hard from the first round. We have to find a way to solve this problem, because if we do, we can fight for P7 or P8 right now. »
Despite its difficulties, Marini remains positive about the progress made this season, with points scored in three of the last four racesHe sees significant potential for 2024, working on these crucial adjustments, and hopes to be able to compete with the best drivers in the championship.
With three races remaining in the season, Marini and his team are therefore focusing on improving tire management and weight distribution to be more competitive in the upcoming events.
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