The start of the MotoGP season was rich in learning for the Repsol Honda team and the brains at HRC, who pored over a ton of data following the duels under the Losail floodlights. Now, head for Portimão, a route a thousand miles from the flat Qatari circuit, with its dizzying climbs and descents. Last year, Marc Marquez took pole at the Portuguese Grand Prix, and the team is more than ready to take up the challenge against competition that is sharper than ever.
Joan mir, out of the top ten Qatar, addresses Portimao, the second stage of the 2024 season, pumped up. “ After Qatar, I can't wait to get back on the bike!“, launches the ex-world champion Suzuki, now a pilot Honda for the second year. “ At the Losail Sprint, I was the fastest Honda, even if I settled for 15th place. Then, at the Grand Prix, I came close to the title of 'best Japanese' against Quartararo and Zarco. But Portimao is something else, and I feel that we can make sparks there."
« I can't wait to do it again and continue our momentum from Qatar", Adds Mir, who now benefits from the support of the shock team of Marc Marquez, conducted by Santi Hernández. “ There is work, but I am convinced that we can gain strength in Portugal. It's a track that I love, and I feel like we have potential to spare. Go to work ! Ready for another crazy weekend with my Honda."
Luca Marini: “ we are in the middle of a development phase with Honda »
As for his ambitions after the first race, Mir does not hide his game: “ Last year, we struggled a lot with the same equipment throughout. This year I want change. And I see it coming. I hope Honda will continue on this path."
Luca marini, the last to arrive at Repsol Honda, had a more complicated start at Qatar, but remains optimistic. “ We don't give up, and head to Portugal“, he says. “ Portimao is night and day compared to Losail. I can't wait to see how the Honda does."
« We are in the middle of the development phase, brainstorming with Honda to improve the bike. It's only the beginning, let's keep a cool head“, explained Marini in Qatar, convinced that there is potential to be exploited.
Free practice at Portimao begins on Friday. The team Repsol Honda and its drivers are ready to decipher this new chapter of the season MotoGP 2024, armed with data, ambitions and a pinch of optimism to meet the challenges of this unique circuit.
