The former Australian pilot Casey Stoner defends the Japanese team and talks about Marc Márquez.
Honda is not in its best phase, and even less now that one of its historic drivers of its brand is leaving: Marc Márquez . Few things work in favor of the Japanese manufacturer but, despite everything, its former driver Casey Stoner talks about the difficulties facing the Japanese brand and defends them in comments reported by crash.net .
From the outset, Casey Stoner is aware that the lack of efficiency of the Japanese team is not a problem specific to this season: « Honda has been in trouble for several years. » He further highlights the fact that it is easy to criticize things from the outside: “It's easy to sit out and say the team didn't do their job well »
The Australian driver admits, however, that this situation is not the team's business: " But, in reality, it's not the team. It goes further than that. We don't know how much effort they put into running. » He believes that the problem may come directly from Japan: “I know he there have been positional changes in Japan and it seems that it is affecting the team. »
The former Honda driver is aware of the differences between Japanese and European brands: « The two Japanese manufacturers seem to be one or two steps behind. European manufacturers have reached the top a little faster in all areas and are ahead in the game. » He also adds: “It is disconcerting that Japanese manufacturers are tied behind European manufacturers »
Marc Márquez or the Honda?
Casey Stoner rode a Honda, as did Márquez , and said that this change of the Cervera rider for next season with Ducati will define if the problem came from the bike or from him: « Marc Márquez will give himself the opportunity to understand if it's him or the bike. » The Australian driver trusts the Catalan driver and his chances of winning in 2024.
“I still believe that he can win the Championship with Honda , provided he does things well . » He argues his opinion with Rins' victory in Austin: “We saw Alex Rins in Austin, he dominated the race. A motorcycle doesn't go from being a winner to being truly uncompetitive.. «
The Australian rider is confident that the bike is not the whole problem: "I'm of the opinion that these bikes aren't that bad..." . Casey Stoner argues this position: “If they can win one race early in the season (he almost destroyed everyone), then they shouldn't be outside the top 10 in the rest of the Grands Prix. »
Casey Stoner knows that a good driver can be hope for a brand that is not working: “Unfortunately, in the race, sometimes we get lost, and we need someone to show you what we can do. We also saw it at KTM: Dani Pedrosa stood out in Jerez and everyone stood out. Then he did it again in Misano. » The former Honda driver emphasizes the importance of this person to follow: « Sometimes you need a star to guide you and to show you what you are capable of, then it gives everyone the confidence to do more »
Aside from having someone to make you see things more clearly, Casey Stoner talks about a situation that can bring down drivers or teams. He admits how easy it is to let go, in a sport like motorcycling: « It’s easy to lose morale, motivation and confidence. These things combined take you down the slope. »
Read the original article on Motosan.es
MARC MARQUEZ SPA
REPSOL HONDA TEAM
HONDA
MotoGP
GP Australia 2023 (Phillip Island Circuit)
20-22.10.2023
photo: MICHELIN
