Honda is changing the MotoGP bike “more than expected” to match the tire

Michelin introduced a new rear tire casing for the 2020 season that offers better grip and durability in racing situations.

But it has had a profound impact on the pecking order this year as a number of riders – notably Andrea Dovizioso on the Ducati and those on the 2020 Honda – struggled to adapt their driving behavior to the tires.

The 2020 Honda has proven to be a difficult bike to ride, and the extra rear tire grip coupled with an inertia problem with the engine creates braking problems for its riders.

Alex Marquez, Stefan Bradl and Cal Crutchlow from LCR also had problems getting the most out of the tire in qualifying. The latter was sixth on the Spanish Grand Prix grid and the only top 10 result on Saturdays for all three.

During the Catalan GP weekend, Yokoyama said of where the Honda needs improvement, “I think we are working hardest to get the most out of the new rear tire design.

“To be honest, I don’t think we’re going to use the maximum [from the tyre] because there are some areas, we had to change bikes a lot.

“The Honda’s philosophy from tradition… we have to try a lot of things, actually a lot more than we expected when they decided to change the tire. We try a lot of things.

“I wouldn’t necessarily agree [the Honda deflects the tyre more], but the way it is used – including the riding leash – may need to be changed. “

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As part of cost-saving measures in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, all non-concession manufacturers have frozen their engines until the end of 2021 and cannot develop them.

This will force Honda to work solely on the chassis and suspension to improve the RC213V’s difficult driving characteristics, although Yokoyama is unsure whether or not this is beneficial to HRC.

“If we have the freedom to develop the engine further, that is of course another freedom that we can play with – not just for performance, but also for handling, rideability and everything,” he added.

“When engine development is frozen, this is more complicated. It’s harder to fix when you have bike problems that we have.

“When someone asks me whether it’s a handicap or an advantage for Honda, I can’t really judge.

“The reality is we can’t change engines, but we still have a lot of things to do to improve performance.”