Joan Mir celebrated the work of Honda engineers at the factory and the direction the bike’s development has taken following last week’s private test at Mugello, highlighting a new aerodynamic package that the Honda rider said will debut at the Grand Prix of Italy next week.
“At Mugello we worked a lot for the not too distant future, trying to change the direction that I had already commented on in the last races, now we are working in the right direction. We tested many things, even the aerodynamics, even if we won’t use it here at Barcelona, it worked but we probably won’t use it until the next race (Mugello, next week),” Mir said.
“I think that after the summer, maybe in August, we could take a step forward because they will have had time to work on the direction we have established and to understand at that point where we are and if we have taken a step forward. I think this is the most realistic step we can take,” he added.
Luca Marini spoke about a new engine: “Well, a different engine configuration. It’s kind of the direction we’re going in, I think Luca is referring to this,” he clarified.
A few weeks ago Mir revealed that the path taken by the test team with the bike that Stefan Brad rode in Jerez was wrong. He was then asked about this change of direction in development and the fact that Honda engineers are now working in the direction set by the riders.
“Yes, this is the positive aspect, the fact that they are doing it. But it is clear that to make such an important change they need time. For us it is good not to have races in June and July, because we can recover a little ‘ time and work in Japan”.
“It’s a new way, similar to what we had, but it’s not at all the direction we’re going now.”
Yamaha appears to be making faster progress in the development of its M1.
“In terms of potential on the fastest lap they seem to have something more, but then in the race we always find ourselves. In the race my level is not quite the same as that of Fabio Quartararo, and in some moments it is a little better. But we miss a lot on the flying lap, they are ahead. In terms of commitment we are at the same point, we are working to get closer to the European factories and we are much more aggressive than in the past, but I don’t know if we are at the same level as them. But there has been a change.”
Aleix Espargaro announced his retirement: “Aleix has taught us all a lesson in recent years. He started in a very complicated situation in MotoGP, he stayed there and when he had a competitive bike he was very fast. There are not many people who can to last a long time in a difficult situation. He is an example and a hard worker. He deserved it and I hope he is very happy, he deserves it.”
So now there is a free Aprilia: “The Aprilia is one of the best bikes on the grid at the moment, in terms of potential it is a very interesting bike. I don’t want to say otherwise, I’m at a point where I don’t know where It pisses me off, quote unquote, to think about leaving Honda in this situation. On the other hand, going on a competitive bike, just thinking about it, makes me happy , but the Aprilia is a fantastic bike.”
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