Takeo Yokoyama is the MotoGP project manager for Honda. One of the most beautiful and biggest responsibilities in the paddock. Perhaps at HRC less than elsewhere, we don't have the right to make mistakes. At the time of the resumption of work by an elite who comes out of hibernation for three days of tests on the route of Sepang, he expresses himself and makes some confidences…
From February 6 to 8, the MotoGP will occupy the Sepang circuit for the first tests of the year 2019. A start to the vintage which is off to a bad start for Honda which arrives without Jorge Lorenzo, injured, with Marc Márquez decreased and a Cal Crutchlow miraculous and still far from having recovered all his means. This without mentioning the team manager's last minute package Alberto puig with a broken arm...
However, this will be an important test for the championship, as it will be necessary to choose the engine specifications in addition to other updates that will affect the entire season. Much of the work was done between Valencia and Jerez last November, but now it is time to focus on finishing. Stefan bradl will support the seven-time world champion, who will be able to complete a limited number of rounds due to the precarious conditions of his shoulder. An injury would immediately compromise the title chances in 2019.
We do not know if there is a cause and effect link, but in the columns of Tutomotoriweb, the Japanese declared himself open to a certain proposal put on the table by Yamaha… Currently, the development of the engine is frozen during the season for the best manufacturers in the field. The Yamaha manager Tsuji suggested last year to introduce an engine update during the season. An argument for which Honda opens the door.
« If anyone brings this issue to the table, we are open to talking about it. But we need to seriously discuss this within the MSMA. If we introduce this rule it will have a big impact on the race. On the competition strategy, on the technological level, on the development plan, as well as on the budget and resources… We should change a lot. I believe this is not a simple change that someone can suddenly introduce "
This will be interesting to follow behind the scenes this year. Without mentioning Yamaha, the Honda manager endorses the position of the three-tuned firm and even suggests that it take the initiative. That being said, affection has its limits. Because, at the same time, the same admits: “ the constructor's championship is important for us. I remember when Jorge became world champion in 2012, but Honda had won the constructors' title. It was good. After all, we keep certain traditions at HRC: beating Yamaha is the greatest satisfaction of all ».
He ends by recognizing that his bike is not the easiest to take to victory: " the Honda is special. I think everyone knows that. This is a bike that you have to push to the limit to be fast. If you don't feel "comfortable", you won't be able to get the best lap times. It's a complicated machine. But once you know how far you can go, you can get the most out of it "
