In 2020, unlike in past years, Honda experienced a difficult season. Perhaps the most important factor was that Marc Marquez was injured in the first Grand Prix of the year and had a blank season. But that's not all…
Without Marc Marquez, it was a 2020 season to forget for Honda. Not even a race won, and with the honesty often displayed by the managers of the Japanese giant, a self-criticism now emerges: the bike could not express its full potential because it had weaknesses. The first of these concerned the tires.
Tetsuhiro Kuwada, who is head of the MotoGP department, returns to Mr-Bike on this difficult year 2020 in terms of tire management: “Michelin launched a new rear tire in 2020 and we didn't reap the benefits. Last year we suffered, we realized that we were using around 60% of new tires and gradually learned that the method to use seems far from our theories and our habits. We cannot do it in a conventional way. »
The person responsible for the development of the RC213V, Takehiro Koyasu, explains the directions taken by HRC to correct the situation: “As we experimented and made mistakes, at one point we focused on the movement of the rear suspension and found the answer. I don't want to go into details, but I think the effect led to some extent to Nakagami's success in the second half of the season and Alex's podium. In any case, I am aware that we have not yet reached full use of the tires. There is still work to be done. »
Tetsuhiro Kuwada, then defines the 2021 directions: “In a word, 2020 was a season of total defeat, but it was also a season in which we were able to learn a lot. We lost so much last year, so we took a deep look at the causes and thought about what we needed. Losing doesn't happen by chance. So we need to humbly think about what we can learn from this and how we can improve to get back to winning ways. In this sense too, we will continue to develop with the feeling of a challenge that will not hesitate to go beyond our framework. »
A typically Japanese approach: we analyze problems and find solutions. So, Japanese technicians have been working on several new frames for the RC213V for some time.
Takehiro Koyasu then anticipates some general notions on this subject: “We looked at the entire chassis and engine. Specifically, we are looking to improve performance and handling. Especially in the deceleration/acceleration phases. To do this, we reviewed and modified parts such as the frame and swingarm, as well as the details of the layout of each part. I think we have made considerable progress in terms of stability. »
He adds “We are taking last year's results seriously, we are reviewing the engine management, exhaust and transmission system. And we continue the development while respecting the regulations to have a motorcycle that can win the triple crown.”
