Honda still remains outside the top-10 and with this RC213V it will be difficult to aim for the top of MotoGP. The recent Irta test in Jerez didn’t bring much news, but the Golden Wing manufacturer “doesn’t sleep” and continues to study updates that will allow the bike to make progress and find more grip. In the last race on Spanish soil Stefan Bradl also gave his precious contribution with a wildcard, using a different prototype from the official HRC quartet.
The latest Honda updates
At Honda they certainly don’t sit back and watch and the Jerez stage was crucial in bringing some new features to the track. 34-year-old Stefan Bradl has tested an innovative aerodynamic hull, it’s just a first step forward. “The crucial update was the completely new aerodynamics“, explained the German test driver to Speedweek.com. “It’s a first step towards a truly new motorcycle. The back, sides and top are completely different. There are also some adaptations to the internal frame. I had already been able to try it in Barcelona, but only for a few laps“.
The day after the race the official MotoGP test was held on the Andalusian circuit. The other riders were also able to try the configuration used by Bradl. Johann Zarco was very critical of this, calling on the engineers to change direction and abandon this prototype motorcycle. Words that find support from the Honda test driver. “I agree with your statements. I wouldn’t have assembled the bike like that, it was a business decision. I took it, rode it in Jerez and then gave my opinion. But it’s also true that we have nothing else right now“.
Bradl’s negative analysis
It will still take a long time before returning to the top of the rankings, the light at the end of the tunnel is still far away. To make a big step it could take the entire MotoGP season, given that we are still sailing on the high seas. “We haven’t found the right direction yet. Monday’s tests in Jerez confirmed this. But you have to give the drivers something to try. Is it hard to decide whether to give them something new that they’re not happy with, or give them nothing at all? All I can say is that Honda is trying hard and doing a lot. The only bitterness – concluded Stefan Bradl – is that we can’t get anywhere at the moment. We are like a large oil tanker that cannot change direction at any moment“.
Photo: Instagram @lucamarini10
