By putting this new RC213V on the track, Honda was undoubtedly hoping to avoid what was emerging in its ranks, with Marc Marquez who openly established his list of demands. The positivity of the brand's other drivers expressed during the opening round in Qatar was diluted by the disappointments of Indonesia, Argentina and Austin. Now, even the manager of the eight-time World Champion Emilio Alzamora is calling on HRC to take action. Behind the scenes, test driver Stefan Bradl observes all this and says what he thinks…
There is probably nothing better than Stefan bradl to find out what is currently happening at Honda, after four Grands Prix accomplished with a completely revised RC123V. The MotoGP test rider for the brand has already covered a few kilometers with the new opus, notably as a replacement for Marc Marquez at the Argentine Grand Prix. And even if doubts arose before starting the European campaign of a season that was at least indecisive, he is convinced that the Japanese brand has taken the right and important step forward with the new development.
And for good reason: as a tester, Stefan Bradl was directly involved in the development of the new Honda : " This Honda has a lot of potential », déclare l’Allemand. “Et je crois aussi qu’il y a beaucoup plus à venir. Parce que cinq jours d’essais pour les pilotes officiels, c’est loin d’être suffisant, surtout quand il s’agit d’un nouveau projet comme le nôtre. C’est une étape radicale par rapport aux années précédentes. "
Despite the teething problems this machine suffers from, Bradl remains convinced of the right path taken and all the more so since Marc Marquez never said the opposite… “ Marc also said it: he feels good with the bike, but he still has to find the limit », précise le pilote d’essai. “Et c’est de cela dont il s’agit pour les pilotes à ce stade, se rapprocher de la limite. Nous aurons besoin de plus de temps pour comprendre la moto et la limite ».
Stefan Bradl: “lors d’un week-end de course, la situation est différente, vous êtes sous pression"
“After the first few races you can't really tell where you are with the bike. You have to wait a little. And the season is very long this year anyway. I just hope the guys understand better and then convert that into results” he adds on Motorsport-total.
When asked if the news Honda was a little more accommodating and less physical to ride than its predecessor, Bradl replied : " Yes I agree. At least that's how I feel on the bike ". However, the pilot of 32 years concedes: “ when you go to a race weekend the situation is different. You are under pressure and not so relaxed. You have to deliver and make the lap time, even if the conditions or tire situation are difficult ».
More Bradl is convinced that the more experience his regular counterparts have with this RC213V, the better the team and riders will be able to adapt to the bike and its needs: “ it’s still a relatively young and fresh project. The most important thing is to stay calm and try to understand the bike and its potential for the future ». It now remains to be seen whether this serenity is shared by everyone.
