Honda is not in detail when recalling its disappointing 2020 season in MotoGP given its status and the resources involved. As such, Andrea Dovizioso recently regretted this incapacity for self-criticism at Ducati, unlike the Japanese. A mention that is true with this release of Tetsuhiro Hikita and Takehiro Koyasu. The first is the HRC man within the Repsol team and the second is responsible for the development of the RC213V. And the duo doesn't beat around the bush...
La 2020 season broke down a taboo and opened the eyes of Honda. Until there, Marc Marquez handled current affairs magnificently, collecting titles and victories. But once the latter was on the sidelines, and even now, the period of scarcity began. To the point that last year, Honda experienced his worst Grand Prix season in 40 years.
An unacceptable situation for the winged coat of arms which does not accept it. And it is to his credit not to hide behind the excuse of the crime of Marc Marquez to regret this poor campaign. Tetsuhiro Hikita et Takehiro Koyasu evaluate whatAlberto Puig said he couldn't do it because of the eight-time World Champion's withdrawal.
And the words are direct: « it was a total defeat ", began Hikita. “The main reason was that we had difficulty getting the new Michelin rear tire to work since the first winter tests in 2019, and with the coronavirus pandemic situation it was impossible to continue with the necessary test program. Furthermore, we found ourselves without a rider capable of getting the best performance from our motorcycle, which determined the result of this year 2020.”
Honda wants to turn the page on monoculture Marc Marquez
On the mention of the absence of a driver capable of obtaining performance from the RC213V, we arrive at the sensitive subject of the situation of Marquez and its chances of return. Koyama also wonders if there is no responsibility on the part of the team in its attempt to find the bike so early in Jerez: “ for the moment, everything is still under debate ", has explained Hikita. “ But we continue to closely monitor his condition and we are still working to provide him with the best possible means for the winter testing at Sepang. We must do everything we can to help him ».
But it is now understood that in a moment of uncertainty, Honda can't think of depending on the return of Marquez. " Our goal is to win the 'triple crown' of the drivers', constructors' and teams' titles, because last year we were unable to prove the strength of Honda, and that we cannot allow this to happen again ».
It will therefore also be necessary to push development, as confirmed Koyasu in the comments relayed by Moto.it. " We take last year's result very seriously, so we will work on many aspects. Including the engine, working where the regulations allow us, i.e. the intake and exhaust and of course the chassis. Marquez is certainly an exceptional driver, but Honda has a duty to engage with both factory and satellite teams. So we will work very hard to develop a motorcycle capable of reclaiming the triple crown, so adapted to our four pilots ».
Comments from senior HRC officials which would mean an upcoming Honda very different from that hitherto known from Marc Marquez. The latter, when he returns, will discover it, but the whole question is to know when this return will finally be possible. A thorny question and in view of the decision of Honda to change tack towards a more versatile machine, one can always worry about whether said return will even be possible.
