Governing is planning, they say, and Dorna has therefore anticipated the economic consequences that will arise from the coronavirus health crisis. Among other provisions, there is that of the technical freeze of motorcycles until 2022. The machines should theoretically no longer benefit from developments in terms of engine and aerodynamics. But in practice, a prototype never really remains fixed. Honda test driver Stefan Bradl provides details and even announces a test in Misano in August…
The manufacturers have agreed: to control their budgets and thus get through an economic crisis which will be in line with the health crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Covid-19, they decided not to touch their motorcycle again until 2022. Well, that's the principle. The reality will be different and it is thus detailed by Stefan bradl, test pilot for HRC: “ HRC engineers come up with countless new versions of each component that can be modified », says the seven-time Grand Prix winner aged 30.
A test in Misano in August
« Given that engine development was frozen for two years from Qatar 2020, there will probably be more work towards electronics. Engineers will work on new programs and mappings. There may be versions in which the traction control or engine braking intervene more gently and permanently. With the help of current data, there are certainly ways to refine all systems. New parts will also come for the hardware. Chassis or aerodynamic development never stops »
Proof of this is a test Misano, one of the two test circuits selected by Honda with Jerez and Motegi, is on the program for next August: “ I want an update to my program. But relatively little information has reached me from Japan so far. I only know that we will continue to take the August test date in Misano ", Explain Bradl to Günther Wiesinger on Speedweek. com. " This is the last position I have ».
