Stefan Bradl has been Honda's test rider for years and is therefore up to date with the technical situation of the RC213V. This is precisely a sensitive subject before the hostilities of the Spanish Grand Prix begin because after five contested races, the new version of the machine released this winter from the HRC workshops is not giving satisfaction. The discontent is even general since the two Repsol drivers have clearly admitted concerns relayed by their team manager Alberto Puig. What does the person who developed it and who will be at the start in Jerez this weekend as a wildcard think? He answers…
Stefan bradl is shared between the microphone of a commentator and the handlebars of a Honda as a test driver but he will indeed be one of the departures of the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend which should celebrate its 200th departure. This will be an opportunity to discuss with his distinguished colleagues about this new RC213V which was received with enthusiasm during the off-season and even during the Qatar Grand Prix which opened the current campaign. But since then, opinions have radically changed…
A turnaround that Marc Marquez feared. “ I know everyone expected more, but like I said, we are not ready to fight for victory » commented the eight-time World Champion who added: “ It's true that some Honda riders said it was a fantastic bike, but I said be careful, because the preseason is always something special and I also said that in the race we would have different conditions ».
Honda: “ the major initial development work is completed«
Alas for Honda, this skepticism turned out to be right. The brand is last in the MotoGP manufacturers' standings after five races. What does the man who was the driving force behind the development of this new RC213V say? Stefan bradl analysis, without having the feeling of being in the place of an accused: “ no, it didn't fail » he said on speedweek. He focuses on the two drivers who are currently suffering the most and who are at LCR: “ I think Taka Nakagami is under a bit of pressure for next season, maybe Alex Marquez too. This is why the head is not so free. Mentally, it's definitely not an easy situation when you're fighting for a contract for next season ».
But it's not just that, since at Repsol, we can't say that the party is crazier. Then the German blurts out: “ It's no secret that the right direction for the new Honda has not yet been found. The fine implementation for each route of the calendar has not yet been definitively worked out. We have a new chassis and now we have to work on the finer details, step by step ". And he ends: “ the major initial development work is completed ". However : " HRC has something in the works to solve this problem… Rear grip always depends a lot on tire compounds. But that's not our biggest problem, it's more the steering and the feel of the front wheel“. In the meantime, we will have to make do…
