During this Qatar Grand Prix, first round of the season MotoGP 2024 is Joan mir which set the tone for the atmosphere at Honda.
After being very satisfied with the new RC213V during the first 2024 test in Valencia, the Spanish driver had to face the facts: despite a completely revised machine from the points of view of design, engine, chassis and aerodynamics to suit all riders rather than just one Marc Marquez, performances are still behind the opponents.
10th and first Honda in the Sepang test, the man from Mallorca finished 19th in testing at the Lusail circuit a few days ago, with a gap of a second and a half on an imperial Francis Bagnaia. Enough to largely temper the glimpse of euphoria, while waiting for the enormous concessions granted to Japanese manufacturers to have their effect.
In answering questions from specialist journalists today on the Qatari circuit, number 36 also specifies that Honda, far from giving up, has rolled up its sleeves to regain the luster that has long characterized the Japanese firm.
Joan mir : “I see a lot of changes this year. The people running the Honda project have changed and I have seen a lot of work over the last few months. They want to get out of this situation and I think they are taking the right steps to do so.
It is difficult to make a prediction on the evolution of the motorcycle this year. But I am convinced that if they continue to work as they have been doing, they will find the key to what we really need.
I don't yet know what our true potential is on this circuit. However, I am convinced that it will be difficult because our bike is not completely adapted and last year it was difficult. If we have a decent weekend, I will be very happy. »
Opening photo credit: Repsol Honda
