In Japan, as is often the case, the absence ofÁlex Rins makes way for Stefan Bradl, test driver for Honda. The Spaniard, too injured to continue racing after trying his hand at the track, gave the handlebars (the evil tongues will say “passed the hot potato”) to the 2 Moto2011 world champion. The German has been a regular since 2020 , and even if his results are often not very interesting, he talks at length about the problems of his machine. His testimonials help to understand what is wrong with the RC213V.
Sure, he usually struggles, but today he was particularly slow. « It was one of the most frustrating races I've ever been a part of.. With so little riding, it was difficult to adapt to this bike; It was to be expected " could we read on speedweek. Penultimate in qualifying, he was unable to do better than last in the race, dropped by all his competitors. “Over the last four weeks, I have driven at least three different chassis and many configurations » he added. Honda continues to fumble, and even gave it the winning frame in the hands of Álex Rins in the USA today, close to a 2022!
#JapaneseGP from the sidelines 🙃 Thanks to all the doctors and physios that are helping me! 💪🏻
Japanese GP off the track 🙃
Gracias to all the doctors and physicists who helped me! 💪🏻#MotoGP @MotoGP @lcr_team pic.twitter.com/NY0Gr3qw71- Alex Rins (@ Rins42) September 30, 2023
Basically, it's the complete Berezina. « I risked falling several times. It seems that we have fallen back into our usual ways. At one point, I told myself that there was no point in pushing so hard for 20th place. I felt like I couldn't do anything » he confided. And rightly so; we remember, at Assen, that he spoke at length about the psychological challenge represented by the Honda RC213V.
However, as is often the case, he wants to be confident and tries to maintain hope; he doesn't have much else to do. “At least we learned a lot for Sunday. I already know that we will change chassis, I specifically requested it » he concluded. This should not reassure Johann Zarco, by any chance. Honda, the world's largest manufacturer, was still groping at the end of September.
Do you think he can do better tomorrow? Tell us in the comments!
2023 MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix Sprint Result:
Classification credit: MotoGP.com
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
