Honda remains at sea in the development of the RC213V. The brand’s best rider in the MotoGP standings is Joan Mir (18th) with just 13 points, followed by Johann Zarco (19th) with 9, while Taka Nakagami collected 8. Luca Marini’s adaptation to the team’s bike was complicated Golden wing: the former VR46 driver still remains with zero points. Meanwhile, HRC also has to deal with the market after the discontent of the Mallorcan champion.
Mir towards farewell to Honda
Joan Mir has been hinting for some time that he wants to change sides, the results are slow in arriving and the uncertainty about next season remains. There are few chances of landing in a factory team, his weight in the paddock has dropped after the last two years uphill. “If I leave Honda it is true that I have failed with this project and obviously I don’t want it. But I can’t wait forever“, he clarified the day after the race at Mugello. For now, nothing has transpired about the behind-the-scenes negotiations, even if Trackhouse (where Davide Brivio would be reunited) could be a valid solution. “I’m sure we will have good options. Because with a good bike I know what I’m capable of. I wouldn’t know where to go if I had the choice. I want to be sure that the decision I make will make me happy in the future“.
The evolution continues with Zarco
Meanwhile, in the factory and in the pits, technicians and drivers insist on the evolution of the RC-V. Marc Marquez’s departure has perhaps removed the remaining certainties and forced the Japanese manufacturer to deal with stark reality. Last in the MotoGP constructors’ standings, entry into the Top 10 only occurred in Jerez. With the arrival of summer, there are still no useful updates to take the long-awaited step forward, hence Mir’s decision to migrate elsewhere. The one who will certainly remain in Honda’s orbit is Johann Zarco, as well as Luca Marini, who has another year of contract.
The Cannes standard-bearer is working overtime to make a valid contribution to the growth of the prototype. But we continue to suffer from the lack of grip and problems entering corners. “It’s physically difficult“, revealed Zarco, due to a bike that is much heavier, unstable and difficult to ride than the one that was Marc Marquez’s workhorse until 2020.”You can’t fight with your body anymore.” You have to enter the curve “doing extreme things that tire you. In a race there is a moment when you have to repeat the same movements and find your rhythm and if you do that you become too slow. You need an extreme driving style“.
Despite everything, the phenomenon from Cervera managed to scrape together a few podiums despite Honda’s technical difficulties. Different this year, where all four riders remain annihilated at the back. Johann Zarco believes that the departure of the multiple champion has some positive effect, given that the engineers are no longer focused only on the individual driver. “We’re not all like Marc, but sometimes it’s better not to be like him when developing the bike, because you can see the problems better. He almost hid the problems with his abilities too much“.
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Photo: Instagram Johann Zarco
