“Spy Attitude” MotoGP VIDEO: Honda took 'inspired' from Ducati for its aerodynamic package at Philip Island

The fins placed on the saddle backrest are the new MotoGP trend for this 2022 season. Aprilia got the ball rolling by experimenting with an F1-type wing that the mark of Noale has not preserved, Ducati also made its contribution with a double pair of thin fins, which are reminiscent of a dinosaur skeleton, and which now equip all Borgo Panigale motorcycles. In Japan, it was Suzuki's turn to equip its GSX-RR with two additional small fins. But it is not finished ! This Friday, in Australia, it was Honda's turn to unveil its aerodynamic solution, which is very similar to that of the Ducati.

 

 

If we compare the photo above, with the new aerodynamic package, to the one below this paragraph, we can see the new fins at the front of the RC213V as well as the updated air intake and the general shape of the front fairing which has also evolved. The side fairings have in fact been redesigned, they have a much more aggressive shape in the area where the Repsol text is located. Below them, we also note the presence of 2 ducts which direct the air flow towards the bottom of the motorcycle, like what exists on the Ducati.

 

 

At the rear, we note the presence of the new Kalex swingarm and above, the latest novelty is located on the saddle backrest: the four fins which rest on the top of the fairing, and strongly resemble those used by the brand from Borgo Panigale.

Marc Marquez only uses the solution on one of the two prototypes, in order to be able to compare the effect provided. “We had already tried something on the same concept in Misano,” declared the eight-time world champion, “and we had found something positive, but at that time we decided not to homologate it because Honda could continue to work and evolve. It happened here, a special circuit to do these tests, but one of the problems this year was this strange feeling at the front and in the corners. » So he immediately got to work with 2023 in mind: “I did several tests today and it's very difficult to do these things during a GP because I can't work on other parts of the bike. It was positive, and that's the most important thing. »

 

 

In fact, what he clearly has in mind is returning to a competitive Honda with which to fight for the title next year: “We are in this situation, we are working together, but if we get something new we have to follow Honda's plan. For now we are not aiming for the best result of the weekend, but we also need to understand things for the future. I pushed Honda a lot on development and when you have something new you have to try it.”

From a regulatory point of view, the use of small fins in this area of ​​the fairing has been declared legal by MotoGP technical director Danny Aldridge: “Simply put, the saddle area in MotoGP is not controlled in the same way as the fairing or mudguard. It is not included in the aerodynamic package. This means that the team or manufacturer applies the regulations. So that there are no arrangements regarding updates or variations, we can say that it is free to do so. »

He also adds that “The limitation that exists in the regulations concerns the width and height of the saddle area. With these parameters, manufacturers can do whatever they want. Concerning the fairing, only 2 aerodynamic versions are authorized throughout the season, namely the initial version and an evolution which generally arrives mid-season. Again, with the saddle area, they can update it 5, 6, or 7 times as they please. »