The new Honda impressed at Sepang and Mandalika, but as we know, tests are only tests and many times they have had very little to do with racing. The Tokyo-based company, however, is approaching the 2022 World Championship with a whole new lease of life compared to 2021, when it started the season without Marc Marquez. The Spanish champion, after two years of difficulties that began on that fateful July afternoon in Jerez and culminated with the fear of diplopia this winter, wants to finally return to the forefront. Last season he won three races with a half-service arm, so how will he approach the first race of the year in Qatar?
“Well, what can I say about the start of 2022? After what we have recently overcome my motivation to start the season is huge, we have come through something difficult and now it’s time to enjoy. But not just enjoying riding, enjoying competing and Enjoying fighting at the front again. This is my tenth year in the MotoGP class and now I am one of the most experienced in the class, there’s many new competitors but the goal is still the same: to fight for the World Championship. We arrive with a new bike, so we need to see how it behaves in Qatar, but we have built a good base and I am looking forward to the weekend and to racing again I’m ready. Let’s get the season started!”
Dall’altra parte del box Honda c’è Pol Espargarò che avrà poche gare a disposizione per provare a guadagnarsi un rinnovo di contratto che al momento sembra alquanto lontano con Mir e Quartararo alla finestra.
Coming from the good tests we had, of course I am excited to get started with a new season. I have been training to my maximum in the winter to be as physically prepared as possible. We arrive now in a very different situation to 12 months ago, I know Honda, I know my team and although this RC213V is new – I am understanding it more and more. Yes, we had a good pre-season but when you go racing everything is different. This weekend in Qatar is about making a base line and improving on it each week, I want to be fighting at the front of each weekend but it’s early. Let’s see what happens, who appears with what and how the slightly different race time will change the conditions. Overall, I’m just happy I get to ride again.”