MotoGP Test Portimao J2 Marc Marquez (Honda/14): “we are still far behind”

Nothing new at Honda and the boat is sinking normally. The off-season is over and we have to say things as they are: while at Ducati and Aprilia it is a fireworks display of audacity and innovations which is causing the lap records to collapse, at Honda, although we are Honda according to the expression used in its ranks, we don't see anything coming. Imitation cosmetic touch-ups thrown like bottles into the sea are no illusion. These two days at Portimao were like Misano in September, at Valencia in November and at Sepang in February: a disappointment with nothing to suggest the beginning of the start of getting out of the rut.

So much so that when it comes to exit, we will end up asking the question in the first sense of the term. This Sunday in the Algarve, it's not even Marc Marquez who posted himself on the timesheet as best driver in RC213V. Or less worse, if you want to look at a 14th place, between your teammate Joan mir et alex rins, freshly arrived from Suzuki, all more than eight tenths of the leader Pecco Bagnaia on his Ducati who has never worn a number 1 so well. In 24 laps, the arrival rate would be 20s…

So of course, there can be the sprint event to keep up appearances. And even, Marc Marquez wouldn’t even bet on it: “ I drove well and was able to simulate a sprint race over twelve laps with the soft tires. I felt better than when I only did one lap. I was able to fully concentrate on my riding style. This wasn't possible before with short releases where you're constantly trying lots of new things ».

Marc Marquez Honda: “ I want to be optimistic, but after this day we can't be too optimistic« 

« The pace wasn't bad, but of course it wouldn't have been enough for a victory » he comments, even adding: “ I had the best feeling of all the pre-season tests today. We used the best chassis and then paid more attention to the settings. Some progress has been made, there have been improvements. Of course, you always want to do more laps and achieve better times. But now we are ready for the first Grand Prix ».

Seriously ? This politically correct discourse nevertheless ends up crumbling as the results in the Algarve develop: “ I want to be optimistic, but after this day we can't be too optimistic ”, also declared Marc Marquez. " Because we didn't get past 14th place today. So we are still far behind ". Which leads him to speak clearly about his situation: “ I have always believed in myself and I believe in Honda. There is no denying that we are still not very close to the summit. We are still far behind. Now we need to put together the best package we have for the start of the season in two weeks ».

He finishes : " we have been very busy during the five days in Malaysia and here. You could see that we tried many parts. It is important for Honda that Joan Mir and I are going in the same direction. We provide engineers with the same information and feedback, making it easier for technicians to work on this project ". For the first time in a long time, Marc Marquez fully involves his teammate in the development of the Honda. So that we share responsibilities when the failure is validated?

MotoGP, Portimao J2 Test: times

Credit classification motogp.com