Honda continues to demonstrate difficulties in being among the most competitive in MotoGP and in the Jerez tests, just over a week ago it remained focused on its objectives. Lucio Cecchinello revealed part of the focus of the work and how LCR Honda had to work more on different chassis.
The owner of the Honda satellite team, which counts Johann Zarco and Takaaki Nakagami as riders, spoke about part of the focus on the tests in Spain, quoted by Motosan: ‘We tested different aerodynamic solutions to improve the riders’ feeling in the saddle, but also the maneuverability and adherence. We also worked on different suspension calibrations. As for compromises, were there any innovations in the engine? For us, no, I don’t know if the factory team had new material. We are working hard on analysing various chassis with different rigidities. This is because we realize that it is a point to be developed’.
He also looked at Stefan Bradl’s pace, which he considered good, with his bike then passing to his team: ‘Bradl’s performance? Generally good. His times were in line with the factory riders and that’s why HRC gave us Stefan’s bike to test’.
And he once again praised Honda’s stance in trying to return to the best level: ‘Their approach is absolutely remarkable. They are working on both the current bike and evolution projects and are very fast. I would like to know that I have a short-term solution, as it is difficult to accept seeing your bike at the back of the grid despite all your efforts. However, I still want to hope that we can progress and move from sailing between 17th and 19th place, to 12th and 15th place’ he concluded.
Note that Zarco tested Bradl’s bike and then stated that Honda’s approach was completely wrong and that that RC213V should be a concept to abandon.