During their two days of testing in Jerez, the WSBK protagonists had a choice playing companion with the Honda test team still represented by Stefan Bradl but with different management. Saving internal changes if we are to believe the first reactions of the German driver who already feels the mark of newcomer Ken Kawauchi. However, the one that comes from Suzuki can't do any magic either.
It’s a Stefan bradl to the slightly more optimistic speech on the future of the RC213V project which was expressed at the end of its two days of testing in Jerez with colleagues from WSBK. The former Moto2 World Champion has never minced his words regarding the involvement of his employer in the development of a Honda who has not done justice to his elders for three years now. But this time we detect a slight clarity at the end of this long tunnel into which the HRC train has plunged, and it comes from the latest position allocations in the organization chart.
We thus read from Bradl on Moto.it this remark: “ with Kawauchi, a new wind is blowing and the structures in Japan have also changed a little…Maybe the new staff will bring new ideas. Something is happening… » he assures before adding: “ we are now thinking about how to take the next steps. With Ramon Aurin, I now have a new team leader who I have known for a long time. I worked with him at Repsol-Honda in 2019 when I replaced Jorge Lorenzo for a few races after his spinal injury after the Assen Grand Prix ».
Stefan Bradl: “ This is the start of our recovery phase.not "
The fact remains that no one has a magic wand to change the situation with an incantation, a situation that Stefan Bradl would also like to remind you, now ten days before the first official MotoGP test in Sepang : “ we are not going to perform miracles, or suddenly set lap records and win. The process of getting back on track will take time ". He also specifies: “ This is the beginning of our recovery phase. It is certain that we must improve ».
Once launched, the test driver Honda regains his frankness: “ how big the steps should be, no one knows at the moment. It is also unclear whether this is due to the chassis, engine, electronics or aerodynamics… It’s a complex problem that we have. And in a phase like this, you have to find each piece of the puzzle and put it together ". Then he finishes: “ in any case I can reveal that I ride with a Kalex aluminum swingarm and an Akrapovic exhaust system. ". That's always the case.
