2021 has only just started, but there are already some manufacturers working for 2022. It is no wonder that Suzuki already had its drivers test the prototype engine for next year in the Qatar and Jerez tests first, but it seems that Honda has also been experimenting with some major innovations in Spain with a view to the next Year.
As we recently showed you, HRC brought various aerodynamic solutions to the Spanish tests, some of which have already been seen (such as the Yamaha-style low winglets) and others completely new, such as the front fairing with vertically shaped air intake as opposed to the current, horizontal. This different intake of the airbox could mean an even bigger change. It can be assumed that this is an experiment related to using a new motor, and this idea is not that uncommon.
Not only that, because the HRC technicians (as confirmed by Takaaki Nakagami) have also brought a new chassis that is very different from the current one, as you can see in the photo below posted by motogp.com.
The differences to the current one are immediately noticeable and very obvious. First of all, it can be clearly seen that the front support at the point that is closest to the headstock area no longer has the carbon cover, which has a stiffening function. Not only that, the curve appears to be different, and in fact, both the tank and fairing have been redesigned.
If you then move further down the lower part of the chassis, it becomes clear how different the design is in this area too, and most importantly, how that The motor mounting screws are in a completely different position than the current one. The one above the pivot of the swing arm has been moved further back, while the one below the pivot point protrudes forward towards the coupling, which has a redesigned housing so that they can fit together, so to speak. It is precisely this detail that makes the idea that Honda tested a real 2022 prototype in Jerez very plausible. The exhaust tips were also different on those: longer.
It wouldn’t be strange if the 2022 bike had already hit the track, considering that the technicians weren’t able to update the engines this year due to the development freeze, so it’s more than normal for them to get the job done for the year 222 have continued next season. Especially HRC, which is not only the manufacturer with the most technical and human resources, but also one of those who most urgently need to improve their bike. With some pretty massive interventions, one would say, because judging by the photos, the position of the engine in the chassis seems to have changed radically.
Unfortunately, Marc Marquez was unable to work on the Monday after the race due to his not yet optimal physical condition. The next opportunity is the Barcelona tests on the Monday after the race and maybe he can test the new Honda prototype there.