Of the four drivers who tried the Honda 2024 prototype during the test MotoGP in Valencia, Joan mir, Luca marini, Johann zarco et Takaaki Nakagami, it is the latter who best knows the character(s) of the RC213V. However, he is the one who used it the least…
We went to hear the words of the 31-year-old Japanese pilot who explains why, but still had time to get a taste of the progress made by the Asaka engineers since the tests at Misano.
As usual, we report his words here without the slightest formatting.
Takaaki Nakagami : “I think you can ask Joan, Marini or Zarco, because today it was only at the very end of the session that I was able to test the last spec, so only for a few laps. But the first impression was pretty good. I mean the character of the engine and the corner grip was improved, and yeah, I just, you know, used the Zarco riding position, so it was really uncomfortable on the brakes. But yes, because unfortunately at the last moment Zarco had an accident in turn 4, so they took the time to repair the bike and it was very late, it was already 4:30 a.m. So I didn't want to make a stupid mistake in the last minutes. So I just got a taste of the bike: the bike is very light and its agility is much better, and I like the engine performance, so the impression is good! I know that in the next test at Sepang they will bring other things or another engine, so we will see, but with the latest spec I can feel there is some potential. »
Have you seen the new concession system?
" Not yet. I haven't figured out all the details yet, but yes, they said maybe the Sepang test won't just last three days. But for me, three days is enough (laughs) because you know that the Sepang test is the most difficult, and for me, three days is good. But if they push me to do the shakedown, I don't know, not three days but maybe one or two more days, I mean I would be more than happy to ride the new bike, and deworm. It's really useful for the team and for me, and we definitely need more kilometers. »
But also during the race weekend you can run development engines next year…
" Oh really ? »
Because there is no more engine freezing for you: is this something you wanted?
“Yes, of course, we have to use the regulations. This helps us a lot. You know, we can have more consultations or something else where we don't have any limitations, which is really, really good. »
Results of the MotoGP Test on the Valencia circuit:
Classification credit: MotoGP.com
