Barcelona's post-season testing highlighted the challenges facing Honda. If the engineers highlighted significant progress, particularly in terms of stability and handling, the official driver Joan Mir expressed his frustration at a lack of new features, an assessment which did not receive the approval of Alberto at all. Puig…
Joan Mir closed the first day of MotoGP testing of the 2025 off-season on a note of dissatisfaction. The pilot Hondaafter testing the RC213V, expressed his disappointment, emphasizing that what he had tried was nothing new, despite the importance of this test to advance in the preparation for next season.
« The reality is that everything I tried todayI had already tried it in the past. This is somewhat the reality and the truth of today. I expected more “, declared one
Mir visibly upset. He went on to add that expectations were high, but the changes made were not significant enough to satisfy him: “ it was very necessary to bring a new motorcycle here. It is absolutely necessary to start improving and start seeing the light. You have to believe it, because I have to stay here for two more years and I have to believe in it. »
However, his comments were qualified by other drivers and team members. Luca Mariniwhich was riding on a brand new
Hondagave a different version of the story, ensuring that he had a lot of new things to test. This caused a stir in the paddock, until the team principal, Alberto Puigtake the floor to clarify the strategy of Honda for the coming year.
« We had three important things to test, and we tested them », explained
Puig. « We've brought here a more advanced and optimized version of what we've been working on over the year. We focused on stability, braking and vibration, which are key aspects. » These tests aim to identify the weak points of the RC213V, in particular the vibrations which disturb the pilots during fast turns.
Alberto Puig : «
the 2025 prototype is built when you have something that suits you more or less »
Puig added: “ we don't have the typical movement, it's something else. A vibration that greatly affects the pilot. We spend a lot of time on this problem because it worries us and it is not easy to solve. »
With concessions obtained due to poor past performance, Honda took a different approach this year. Unlike previous years where prototypes were presented at the end of the season, engineers preferred to test components throughout the year, allowing more gradual adjustments to be made.
Puig clarified this approach by stating: “
the 2025 prototype is built when you have something that more or less suits you. It made no sense to bring a black motorcycle here while we had black motorcycles all year round. »
However, despite the difficulties encountered,
Puig highlighted the progress made this year, particularly in terms of cornering and aerodynamics. “ At the start of the year the bike wasn't running well, but after Misano we took a step forward. Now the bike runs well. In addition, we have improved the aerodynamics and the pilots clearly noticed this. »
The test also marked the debut ofAleix Espargaró as a test pilot
Honda. Puig praised his contribution, highlighting his clarity and impartiality in the feedback he gave. “ Aleix is a driver who was ready to get on the podium on Sunday, so he has speed. What I appreciated the most is the strength with which he talks about the bike, in an impartial and clear way. »
Regarding the absence of
Albesian Romanthe former technical director of Aprilia, Puig confirmed that his official arrival at Honda will take place in January 2025, an important step in the reorganization of the team for the upcoming season.
Mirfor his part, remains focused on the work to be accomplished and hopes that the upcoming tests, particularly in
Jerezwill bring the advances he expects for the 2025 motorcycle. It will still take time for
Honda is solving its problems and meeting the expectations of the drivers, but the progress this offseason will be crucial for the months to come.
MotoGP, Barcelona Test: times
