Exactly 20 races have passed since Honda’s last success in MotoGP, since Marc Marquez triumphed in Valencia at the end of an almost perfect 2019 season. After his injury the problems started and it doesn’t look like it will get better anytime soon. Last week, for the first time in history, not a single Honda was in the top 10 at Mugello.
“It was a catastrophic race,” said Espargarò and Alex Marquez in unison on the eve of their home GP in Barcelona.
It is obvious that the RC213V has problems and Pol is looking forward to the tests next Monday: “They will be very, very important – he explained – not just trying out new things, but also being able to concentrate on the bike and ride without the pressure of the race weekend. We are one step behind the other and we need to improve ”.
How?
“Working together, even if it’s not easy, if things don’t go well, you worry – was his answer – I wasn’t even lucky, I had a few technical problems in two races, but I have to trust Honda. Until a couple of weeks ago we didn’t even understand where the problem was coming from, now we’re doing it and from Japan they are bringing it out as soon as they have some improvements. We have something new here too, even if we don’t yet know whether we will use it in the race or just in the tests. However, it is not enough to ask for six new frames and three wings, you have to work differently, understand what works and what doesn’t. It is a process and it takes time ”.
What simply doesn’t exist in racing. In addition, the new Michelin tires do not help either …
“Last year I saw it from a different perspective because the new casing was an improvement for the KTM – Pole recalled – while the Honda was punished. Unfortunately, with Covid there were fewer opportunities to intervene ”.
The tires are also a problem for Alex on the RC213V and he had another confirmation in Mugello.
“I started with the hard front tire, which would be best for us, but this year we can’t bring it to optimal temperatures and pressure and it doesn’t work – explained the LCR driver – That’s a problem, then we also need more grip at the rear in order to have a more stable bike and to be able to ride more consistently. “
The younger of the Marquez brothers knows that it’s not just Honda who has to solve things …
“I also have a lot to do with myself. When I look at Marc’s qualifying and Takaaki’s race at Mugello, I can see that they were faster than me and that I’m still not getting the most out of the bike, ”he admitted.
Have the two brothers been talking about things at home these days?
“We often talk about motorcycles, but mostly about motocross and enduro, rarely about MotoGP, just a few comments – revealed Alex – I don’t like bombarding him with questions every day, also because it is clear what we need to improve. When you are at home, it is also important to relax.