MotoGP, Qatar: at Honda, the drivers ensure that the project is on the right track

The 2024 MotoGP season opener in Qatar offered a first glimpse of the infighting Yamaha and Honda will be working to push to the bottom of the category this year. The two Japanese giants are for the moment condemned to these accessits. During this first event at Losail, Yamaha was slightly ahead of Honda in the race for the constructors' championship thanks to Fabio Quartararo's eleventh place compared to Johann Zarco's twelfth. Honda factory rider Joan Mir finished just behind Zarco, marking a difficult start to the season for Honda, who picked up just four points to Yamaha's five…

It is clear that if this situation is depressing among Yamaha , it is taken with philosophy in Honda. " Being close to the top 10 here isn't so bad » commented Joan mir. " I managed to overtake bikes which, on paper, were more efficient than mine. This proves that we are on the right track » adds the 2020 MotoGP World Champion. “ My first laps were good. I gained places and was able to see the first group. I was behind Fabio Quartararo most of the race which was encouraging ».

Joan mir also observe the changes in Honda : " unlike last year when we had the same equipment all season, I see changes this year. It's reassuring and I hope it continues ».

At Honda the desire to progress is unanimously displayed

For its part, Johann zarco also delivered his analysis: “ following another rider changes the behavior of the bike, probably due to aerodynamics » explains the double Moto2 World Champion, highlighting a particularity of the Honda. " This weekend gave us a solid foundation. Even a long practice run doesn't provide as much information as a race. We now have a better understanding of the bike and know how to control it ».

His teammate Takaaki Nakagami highlights a recurring problem: “ unfortunately the bike's performance is similar to last year. Our main concern is rear grip. We have to adjust the electronics to compensate, but it affects our traction. This makes driving tricky. ».

Hopes are now turned to Portimao, where recent developments assessed by Stefan bradl during private testing in Jerez could offer Honda a better perspective. “ If Stefan confirms that these new parts improve our performance, then that's good news »Adds Nakagami.

zarco remains optimistic: Marc Marquez was fast there last year. Perhaps our disadvantage will be less pronounced in Portimao than in Qatar. We are not yet aiming for the podium, but the project seems promising ».

So, while at Yamaha the speech is conducive to gloom, among Honda we consider that the performance of its pilots Qatar lays the foundation stones for a year of challenges and opportunities.