There are still three Grands Prix to go in this 2021 campaign, but Marc Marquez already has his sights set on 2022. For him, what follows until next year are full-scale tests, both on his physical form and on a motorcycle who will have to help him rather than submit. In the speeches, we no longer hide at Honda that the next season must be that of returning to the forefront. The new RC213V has even already been described as “ revolutionary » regarding the engine by Tokyo officials. Can we go this far within a strict regulatory framework like that of MotoGP? Far enough, at least, to have already surprised Marc Marquez…
Pol Espargaro said it was promising, Alex Marquez did not hide his enthusiasm or Nakagami in its assurance of a bright tomorrow. What about ? that of the next RC213V. Info or intox ? Reality or autosuggestion? To listen Marc Marquez who has tried it more than his other distinguished colleagues, there would still be reason to hope...
before joining Misano, where he tried out the new opus at the start of its development, the eight-time world champion remembered: “ it was a big difference, one of the biggest since I've been at Honda ". A feeling that is not insignificant coming from someone who has been an HRC driver since 2013. “ They work hard, I think it was very interesting. We have solved some of our weaknesses, but when you do that, of course other problems arise ».
He clarifies this thought thus: “ we want a faster, smoother, grippier motorcycle. Our weakness this year is rear wheel grip. So we focused a little more on that. We definitely improved, but we lost a bit in terms of riding behavior »
Marc Marquez wants to see how things go on other tracks and with less grip
« We saw that we could win in many areas with a different concept, but at the same time lose something, for example what is now one of our strengths, namely at the entrance to the corner. The lap time was very similar to finish, but it is important that you are on the same pace from the start when you get new coins without touching anything », Underlined the 28-year-old Spaniard.
« My feedback and Pol's were very similar, we were both fast on the new bike ". However, Marc Marquez has enough experience not to get too enthusiastic after this first contact. He ends thus: “ we have to continue working and see how things behave on other tracks and with less grip. Because during the Misano test the grip conditions were incredibly good and it was easy to be fast ».
We will remind you that the next test MotoGP will take place after the season finale in Valencia on November 18 and 19 in Jerez. The window of opportunity in terms of technical decisions is more than reduced. We must not miss out on the analyses…
