It is an analysis that seems to be the opposite that the man from HRC offered to GPone coming out of the last Phillip Island tests. Three days of testing which revealed a Honda in better shape than in Malaysia and a priori on the right path while the regrets over the lost wings became more insistent, particularly at Ducati. However, Livio Suppo recalls that, last year, the RC213V also performed well on this track. So you have to be careful. A circuit which would not reveal anything about the aerodynamic capabilities of the motorcycles. An estimate opposite to that of the reds.
On the other hand, what was convinced Livio Suppo, Racing Consultant, this was the performance shown by Marc Márquez. On this point, everyone was in unison: “ I would have been very surprised not to see Marc performing very well there. We experienced three days of positive tests even if we suffered a little the first day. But we are more satisfied than in 2016. Phillip Island is a special track and last year we were already performing well there despite our problems ».
Problems which then proved more complicated to resolve. And in fact, a year ago, the Phillip Island tests ended with a Casa Particular in Viñales in the lead, but on a Suzuki, with a time of 1'29.131, ahead of the Honda of Marc Márquez in 1'29.158. Meanwhile, the Ducati had difficulty anchoring themselves in the top 10. A physiognomy found this year but with faster times for the leading men. It will be recalled that Casa Particular in Viñales, on the Yamaha, achieved a 1'28.549, ahead of Marquez in 1'28.843.
We must therefore still remain cautious about the balance of forces: “ working on a bike during three-day tests is one thing and making it evolve during a Grand Prix meeting is another » signals Livio Suppo. " I've been in the business for 21 years now and we've seen some promising drivers during testing who seemed to be favorites for the season. For example Edwards when he arrived at Gresini. Of course, Márquez and Viñales are different, but it is too early to limit ourselves to them. Pedrosa showed he was there, Iannone was quick at Sepang. This championship will be interesting ».
And how is the Honda house? “ The new engine seems to be working well, it is improving on all points and it has only been on the track for six days. We are gradually identifying its potential, which seems to be an additional step compared to last year. But a motorcycle is a whole and we work to harmonize all the components ».
There remains a strong indicator: the pace in racing conditions: “ Maverick Viñales noticed Marc's pace in these conditions. He did a series of sixteen laps in the 1'28.8 zone. It's a phenomenon, it's very strong, but nothing is certain. There are other top drivers. It's premature to name a favorite. For that, you will have to wait until mid-season ».
Finally, Honda has yet to reveal anything about its aerodynamic intentions in this now post-fin era: “ I'm not an engineer, but we have seen aerodynamic developments in recent seasons that have appeared, then disappeared. Everyone is working on this to find the downforce that was generated by the ailerons. But I don't think Phillip Island is the best place to check these things. ».
However, Jorge Lorenzo felt the absence of these appendages on his Ducati. Official work will resume on March 10 in Losail, but at the end of this week, Honda will run in Jerez for two days. With new fairings?
