MotoGP Portugal J2, Takaaki Nakagami (Honda Q21/S17) admits everything about the Honda, and it's very worrying

In Portugal, Takaaki Nakagami is up against the wall. While in the official team, Joan Mir seems to be making tangible “progress” and Luca Marini is approaching the situation with patience, the Japanese is struggling to find hope. It must be said that seeing four RC213Vs in the last four places during qualifying yesterday didn't help that. His 17th place in the Sprint is not much more impressive, since only 18 drivers crossed the line... and only Marini followed him once again when the checkered flag was presented.

These are quite worrying comments which have been revealed to the always very well informed speedweek. “We are facing a wall. We have huge problems in all areas. On a fast lap or at race pace, it's the same thing. No matter what we try, the improvements are minimal, if any. » What is all the more alarming is that this driver is the only one, along with Marc Marquez, to have experienced the complete decline of Honda between 2020 and now. The fact that he is making these comments at this stage is not a good sign.

The Sprint was tough, so let's improve for tomorrow's race! #LCR #MotoGP #TN30 pic.twitter.com/W3fKQa3p2Q

- LCR Team (@lcr_team) March 23, 2024

There are so many glitches on the bike that Nakagami has a hard time listing them all. « Overall, there is a lack of feeling. I don't receive any information about what's happening on board. The biggest problem, I never know where my rear tire is." No doubt behind him, though, the most petty among us would say. But more seriously, this is not reassuring.

Inextricable situation

What more needs to be done? Get back to work. « We use all the sessions, even the races. Anyway, that we are all behind, it is not a strategy. We continue to look for solutions, I don't know how long it will take. But I try to do my part of the job” he concluded before focusing on today's very important day.