Honda Response from Sepang Test

news7g02/13/2023

2 3 minutes read

Test MotoGP Sepang 2023
Honda’s motobike

With a total of 283 laps between them, Marc Marquez and Joan Mir completed an efficient three days in Malaysia and set tenth and 12th fastest times respectively.

The final day of testing at the Sepang International Circuit started later because the track was dry. A shower at the end of the action only reduced the run a bit.

Day three of Sunday’s race produced 55 laps for Marc Marquez as he gathered more data for the Honda HRC ahead of the Portimao Test. Continuing to experiment with several technical setups and reviews, Marquez helped set a clear direction for the coming weeks.

An effective test, Marquez finished the event as the tenth fastest driver thanks to a set of 1’58,666 on the final day – 0.777 seconds behind Luca Marini, the fastest in the Sepang Test.

Marc marquez

“Today was a more positive day, it was the first day I could start working in smaller areas. This is where I can start faster, one step at a time. But we still have to keep on schedule and keep trying new things and new things. I want to thank the team for organizing everything well and being productive throughout the weekend. Today is also a big day for testing concepts. We have done everything necessary and the feeling has improved, but we still need to take a step.”

Across from the Repsol Honda Team garage, Joan Mir completed her fourth day in a Honda RC213V. A time of 1m59,832 seconds from day one improved to a best time of 1m58.784 seconds on Sunday, a second faster.

Mir and his team know there is still a lot of work to be done in the upcoming test and in the opening races, but the two-time World Champion is pleased with the progress made during the three-day run in Malaysia. . Mir leaves Sepang as the 12th fastest driver.

Joan Mir

“I am pleased with how we have progressed on this test and I feel fit every day on the bike. The bike feels more like my bike and I can ride it in a better way than I did yesterday – that’s what matters. My Repsol Honda team has been very productive during the past three days. Sure, we need to make progress, but every day we’re taking a step closer and getting closer and more comfortable. I am adapting more to Honda style and I like to ride like this, I have learned a lot in these three days.”

Alex Rins is 19th on the Sepang Test composite rankings after trying out different parts of his Honda specs while getting acquainted with his new machine and the LCR Honda Castrol team. Rins sees significant changes from their encounter in Valencia (last November) and notes that there is still room for improvement: the days in Sepang and 149 laps helped provide HRC with valuable information. to find the best path to follow. The final assessments determined that traction, edge grip and brake stability were areas that needed strengthening.

Alex Rins – P19

“I am satisfied with our work; The rain jeopardized our plans, but overall I was satisfied. We tested some parts and even simulated the race, and this is the third time with this bike; We found something interesting. The basis of the bike is still unclear, but we are working hard. From what I’ve heard, the four Honda riders are all on the same page, so hopefully we’ll try something different in Portimao.“.

Takaaki Nakagami is still recovering from a severe right hand injury at Aragon last year. After completing the three days, Takaaki admits that the hand is responding positively to the stress of riding.

Takaaki Nakagami – P21

“It was a very busy test; we tried many parts and collected many important data. We still have work to do, but I’m glad my physical condition has improved and I feel good with my hands. Keep working, we’ll have plenty to try in Portimao. I want to thank my team for their hard work as always on this first test“.

Engineers are now returning to Honda HRC’s facility in Japan to continue development and complete pre-season planning. Next, the Repsol Honda Team will take part in the Portimao Test, from March 11 to 12, for the final test before the season begins.

MotoGP Sepang Test Combined Time

posture	horseman	Bicycle	TIME/Distance
first	L.Marini	DUCATI	1’57.889
2	F.Bagnaia	DUCATI	+0.080
3	M.Vinales	APRIL	+0.147
4	E. Bastianini	DUCATI	+0.260
5	J. Martin	DUCATI	+0.315
6	A.Espargaro	APRIL	+0.418
7	F.Di Giannanto Ita	DUCATI	+0.455
8	M.Bezzecchi	DUCATI	+0.474
9	A.Marquez	DUCATI	+0.496
ten	M.Marquez	HONDA’S MOTOBIKE	+0.777
11	R. Fernandez	APRIL	+0.821
twelfth	J. Mir	HONDA’S MOTOBIKE	+0.895
13	P.Espargaro	GAS	+0.908
14	B. Adhesives	KTM	+0.923
15	M.Oliveira	APRIL	+0.950
16	J.Zarco	DUCATI	+0.963
17	F. Quatararo	YAMAHA	+1.008
18	J.Miller	KTM	+1.012
19	A. Rins	HONDA’S MOTOBIKE	+1.043
20	F. Morbidelli	YAMAHA	+1.097
21	T.Nakagami	HONDA’S MOTOBIKE	+1,646
22	A. Fernandez	GAS	+1,771
23	C.Crutchlow	YAMAHA	+2,034
24	S. Bradl	HONDA’S MOTOBIKE	+2.546
25	K.Nakasuga	YAMAHA	+3,350