At Honda, the quest to improve the RC213V’s performance continues with intensity, but results remain elusive. Experienced Honda test rider Stefan Bradl recently took part in the Jerez test, where he was able to test some important innovations in the hope of turning things around. Despite the efforts, Bradl and the team face continued challenges in taking the machine to the heights of MotoGP.
During the tests in JerezBradl experimented with new aerodynamic configuration, which he considers a crucial, if preliminary, step forward. “ We’ve introduced completely revised aerodynamics, it’s a significant step, but it’s just a start towards what will hopefully be a deeper transformation of the motorcycle” , said
Bradl at Speedweek.com. “ There have been adjustments to the internal structure of the bike too. I briefly tested these modifications in Barcelona. »
The day after the race Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez, during
the official MotoGP test dayother drivers Honda were able to try the innovations tested by Bradl. However, reactions, notably that of
John Zarcowere mixed.
Zarco notably suggested that
Honda should consider a new direction, critical that Bradl understands and shares in part. “ I agree with Zarco. Personally, I would not have chosen to assemble the bike this way. It was a management decisionand I simply provided my feedback after the tests. »
Stefan Bradl Honda: “ Right now we can’t find the right direction and it might take some time »
Despite constant efforts and experiments,
Bradl admits that the road to competitiveness is still long and strewn with obstacles. “ It’s hard to choose between giving pilots something new that they might not like, or give nothing at all. Right now we can’t find the right direction and it might take some time“, he confided.
The path to success still seems far away for
Hondaas pointed out Bradl : “ we are like a large oil tanker that cannot easily change direction. Honda is making considerable effortsbut we have not yet found the winning formula. For now, we move slowly and with uncertainty. »
The current situation at Honda reflects a major challenge in the competitive world of MotoGP, where every small improvement can be crucial. The efforts of
Honda to get back into the fight for the podium are difficult, but the team remains determined to overcome the obstacles to regain its former glory.
