Saying that Honda is experiencing difficulties in MotoGP has become a platitude that everyone has internalized for a long time and we will not cite the countless examples that illustrate it.
But while we wait for Dorna Sports to concoct new regulations so that the clay-footed giant regains vigor, we are not remaining idly on the HRC side. Faced with the multiple problems encountered by the current RC213V, the men of Asaka have launched an all-out work plan to try to progress and convince their star driver Marc Márquez to remain faithful to the golden wing.
The Kalex chassis now serves as a reference, but Honda was not content to subcontract it to the German company, at the risk of always having to go through it. The first frame thus traveled to Japan where it was placed on a bench to check its solidity but also to note all the characteristics of rigidity, lateral, longitudinal, torsional, etc.
At the same time, a busy testing program was decided, as stated Stefan bradl, the European test pilot who completes the work of Tetsuta Nagashima in Japan.
« We have several tests planned during the summer break, three in Misano and Jerez. Then we will see what is the situation of Álex Rins and so on. There are many unanswered questions. »
For the moment, we are mainly working with different wheelbases and electronics to try to give the drivers a little confidence in the angle and avoid highsides, which have become rare in the category.
« There is a lack of confidence when the bike is on the track and this applies to all our riders. We tried to move forward and everything we did with the bike felt unnatural. This is the problem. The bike doesn't inspire confidence and we took risks, even if we weren't ready. But you have to take risks with the race weekend format. These things made it even more difficult for us. No rider likes to go highside or get close to the limit of a highside. Yes, we're going to tinker with the electronics. It's not very exciting for a test driver, but in the end I have to look at the bigger picture. I try to help and I do it naturally for the safety and needs of the riders. In my opinion, it's not the electronics that are holding us back. What we need is more grip on the rear wheel. I think it can be fixed and I'm sure Honda has the power and resources to do it. It's a question of time. We saw that our performances did not plummet in one, two or three months. I would say it's a process of several years, it will probably take that long to get back to an acceptable level. I think you know Japanese culture, Japanese mentality. The business is not going to change in a week. It will take time »
For sure, the six weeks of summer break will pass quickly, for Honda engineers…
