In previous weeks, we focused on the latest developments tested by the different factories involved in the MotoGP World Championship. With race week approaching, let's review the bike from the 2019 World Champion manufacturer!
Honda has had an up and down pre-season, but they seem to have resolved many of the issues they encountered. One of the biggest talking points within the team was their aero package for the 2020 season which seemed to create a lot of issues with the front of the bike. They identified that it was this specific aerodynamic package that was causing them problems and it appears they will revert to their 2019 package.
They also have a new chassis and engine. Crutchlow said he was curious to do more laps with this specific new chassis.
In this photo, the biggest modification is the chassis. You can see that it has a horizontal weld that extends across a large section of the main beam (just above Marc Marquez's knee).
Honda test rider Stefan Bradl was seen on track testing a chassis with this large weld during the Sepang test. Crutchlow used this chassis at Sepang, then in Qatar, where it reappeared with a thickness of carbon as seen here (above the famous weld).
Crutchlow seemed pretty positive about the chassis, saying he wanted to do more laps with it.
The frame in the last photo is very different from the one originally developed for 2020. You can see here that the carbon layer and large weld are not on the 2020 frame.
However, the 2020 frame includes a rear engine mount, unlike the one in the previous image. Honda is probably trying to change the flex characteristics of the bike to make it a little more supple, forgiving and easier to ride.
Let's focus on the aerodynamic package and the smallest air intake they tested.
This aero package was not favored by riders and was shelved, with Honda saying it was a large part of the reason they struggled on the second day of the Qatar test.
The new air intake was only seen briefly, so it's likely we won't see it again and the 213 RC2020V will be equipped with last year's larger one.
As Honda attempted to fix their aerodynamic issues, they tried several different combinations. Full aero package, semi-aero and even a motorcycle without fins! You can also see here the difference in size between the left air intake and the more classic one we've seen over the last couple of seasons
So although Honda had some issues during pre-season testing, in the end they looked as competitive as ever! They were near the top of the timesheets and this was again when Marc Marquez was recovering from shoulder surgery. Honda is clearly the factory to beat, we will see next weekend if the 213 RC2020V is indeed born!
