Since its advent in 2002, MotoGP has seen quite a few changes to its regulations. With the common thread, the consumption of the machines, also imposed by the maximum quantity of gasoline to put in the tank. An essential but often forgotten aspect that LCR team boss Lucio Cecchinello put into perspective in an interview with speedweek. For him, if the various changes in the regulations have made it possible to have six factories on the starting grid today, the improvement has been to the detriment of Honda.
Honda and the regulations. It's an endless debate that often revolved around the idea that it was the world's leading manufacturer that made the rules. To his advantage. But nothing would in fact be less certain if we listen to a Lucio Cecchinello which takes stock of the evolution of MotoGP until today. For the boss of Cal Crutchlow, it would even be quite the opposite.
« I had a conversation with Livio Suppo from HRC in Sepang » begins the Italian. “ I gave him my feelings on the evolution of the category. I told him that if you look closely, there have been a lot of changes in the regulations in recent years. And probably even a little too much ».
« When Honda makes a motorcycle, they think about making a machine that makes the most of the regulations in force. But this has changed almost every year. Each time they had to redo parts and even completely change the philosophy of their engine. Honda was the first to adopt the “big bang” philosophy, dating back to the 500 two-stroke era. Honda has always been a pioneer but they have had to slow down lately by focusing on consumption. ».
« For this reason they first abandoned the “big bang” for the “screamer” and from 2014, the Hondas were capable of doing a Grand Prix with 18 liters. Then there was the Open class with 24-liter motorcycles coexisting with official 22-liter motorcycles, and there was the single electronic control unit. It took a lot of effort from them, like Yamaha, and with 22 liters, Honda returned to the “big bang” in 2017. ».
« We must not forget that with the 500 two-strokes, we had 36 liters in the tank, that at the advent of MotoGP we had 26 liters and that after 2002 we were already at 24 liters. With the 800cc of 2007, we were at 21 liters. By the way, Ducati has long been entitled to have 24 liters ».
He finishes : " these developments have been considerable, pushing for major innovations. I think the regulations will now stabilize and Honda will once again be able to work on optimizing the bike. With the difficulty, however, of dealing with unique electronics. I hope that the regulations will not be upset again and there are many who think like me. If this is confirmed, there is no doubt that Honda will resume its role as technical leader ».
Lucio Cecchinello is a devoted ally to the Honda cause and wishes to remain so. Regarding the evolution of the regulations, it allowed a leveling of forces and it encouraged other manufacturers to come to MotoGP. The general interest therefore apparently prevailed. Now, by studying this speech, we understand that technical meetings between brands, and first of all between Honda and Ducati, can sometimes be tense.
