In the very difficult period that Honda is currently going through, the Tokyo firm can nevertheless count on Takaaki Nakagami to save its honor: The Japanese driver, until now had been completely overshadowed by Marc Márquez and Cal Crutchlow, is progressing a little more every year. days and masterfully assumes the role of spearhead of the winged coat of arms.
Clearly, Takaaki Nakagami performed solidly, like the second time achieved during the official MotoGP test day in Misano.
This year, riding a 213 RC2019V, his highlight is a fourth place in the Andalusian Grand Prix, and if the number 30, by the regulations, cannot benefit from a 2020 motorcycle at the during the season, that did not prevent him from testing the latter on the Italian track.
Despite a small drop, the results are rather very positive.
Takaaki Nakagami : “This morning I had the opportunity to get a taste of the 213 RC2020V, the test bike usually used by Stefan Bradl. The bike is very nice! I didn't do too many laps, it was just a first try but it was pretty good. We tried to understand the bike a bit, but unfortunately I suffered a crash in the first corner because I had a big impact on the bumps and lost the front. It was a fairly ordinary crash, and we then returned to our bike to work on the settings for this weekend. Sorry for the HRC but the bike was good. I felt comfortable and the time, even during a long run, was in the low 32s on each lap. So it was very positive and I don't feel any negative points. There were a lot of people, more than 10 people I think! Everyone noted my comments and it's nice to feel that. But it's my job. They are always trying to develop the bike and see how we can improve it. But the strategy didn't change: they just gave me the opportunity to test the bike and give feedback. It was quite simple. The good thing is that I didn't have any negative feeling, so at first I'm very happy and I think for the future Honda's bike is working quite well. Due to the regulations, I cannot change bikes. Today was a first and a good taste. I really appreciated. We will see for the future and of course also for next year. »
“We then tested a lot of things, and we definitely improved the situation compared to last weekend. I can say that we are now at a really competitive level on all rounds, and even on a qualifying round. All sectors were faster and during the day we changed a lot of things, tested a lot of elements. We are working on the rear part, with a new link and a new shock absorber. All the elements have really been positive. »
“I entered the 1'31 zone for the first time and finished the day P2, so I'm very happy. This should mean we will be competitive this weekend. We will still have work to do, because every time you test there is always a lot of grip on the track. Either way, we are definitely in the right direction and we have a good base for the second race at Misano. »
Like most of his colleagues, Nakagami also tried the radio system offered by Dorna Sports.
“It works pretty well, I mean I can hear all the words clearly. Before, I thought it was impossible in racing, but it was good. I can hear everything. So the first step is pretty good. But it wasn't comfortable. When I took off the headset, the earpiece was out. It wasn't comfortable. With the wind too, the sound was not comfortable. Today the plan was just to check if I could hear. After the first 2 or 3 rounds, I could hear clearly with no problem, so I gave it back to Dorna. »
Misano Test ranking at 18 p.m.:
Misano Test ranking at 13 p.m.:
Credit ranking: MotoGP.com
