The MotoGP is playing overtime in Misano, with two Test days planned for this Tuesday and Wednesday, which everyone intends to take advantage of, provided of course that the weather does not interfere. It's about working on 2022, while trying to find possible ways to improve their current prototype, as is the case with Honda. And from the first day, many parts were tested by the different factories!
The new Honda looks like a completely redesigned prototype for 2022: a new intake, a new aerodynamic package, a new rear loop and a new exhaust, and it's a safe bet that the engine is also completely new for 2022.
Ducati also tested some new parts: Pecco Bagnaia tested a new aerodynamic package and what also appears to be a new air intake, while Johan Zarco tested a different chassis. Finally, Fabio Quartararo also tested a new chassis on his Yamaha.
Aprilia tested new fins. At first glance, these are similar to the old ones. In fact, their shape is broadly similar, but they are much smaller.
Maverick Vinales told Noale's teams that the current wings are too imposing. These help greatly to reduce wheeling, but in fast corners the RS-GP can feel heavy and difficult on the angle change.
The new prototype developed by Honda for 2022 is a radical departure from the 2021 version of the RC213V. The air intake is different, the rear loop including the saddle is completely redesigned and it seems that like the Ducati, it now incorporates a mass shock absorber. This hypothesis seems to be confirmed with the new position of the rear exhaust, which has been moved from the middle to the side of the bike.
From this angle, the Honda's new air intake and aerodynamic package stand out. The air intake is much narrower and taller and appears to be an evolution of the air intake we've seen on track several times, on the black prototype, during previous tests in Jerez and Barcelona. In 2022, the engine development freeze will be lifted, and a new intake is expected to be associated with a new engine. Looking at it closely in the pit lane, the clutch housing on this prototype is different from that of the 213 RC2021V, as are the engine mounts.
Ducati also tested an evolution of the aero package: the upper set of fins has a different mounting point on the upper member, much further back than the current aero package, but overall the package tested by Pecco Bagnaia is very similar to the current one.
The only thing that's different here is the air intake, which impacts how air fills the engine, and therefore how power is delivered to the wheel.
Honda has now also supplied Alex Marquez with the chassis that Pol Espargaro has used in the last two races. In Aragon, the 2 Repsol Honda drivers declared that this new chassis was a little more stable and less physical to ride. It appears that Pol Espargaro prefers this chassis to the standard 2021 version, while Marc Marquez has reverted to his 2020 chassis, which seems to suit him better.
Honda is not the only manufacturer to test chassis developments, this is also the case for Ducati. On the frame, at the swingarm pivot of the GP21 prototype tested by Johan Zarco, there is an area covered with silver thermal tape. It looks like Ducati added material to this area and covered it up to try to hide it.
Photos: Dorna Sports
