Honda has been working behind the scenes in personal exams to enhance its troubled 2024 package deal, although its riders didn’t obtain some hoped-for enhancements at Barcelona final weekend.
Johann Zarco did race with a brand new aerodynamic package deal, whereas an up to date engine was utilized by Mir and Luca Marini additionally.
However this did little to assist Honda at Barcelona, with LCR’s Takaaki Nakagami the lead HRC rider in 14th forward of Mir, Zarco and Marini – all of whom outdoors of 30 seconds from the race victory.
The low-grip nature of Barcelona accentuated Honda’s traction woes, with Mir noting that the up to date engine configuration made this truth worse.
Nonetheless, he believes it’s a course Honda must persevere with because the scope for enchancment with it’s increased than what he raced beforehand.
“Truthfully a nightmare,” Mir stated of his Catalan GP. “I had very dangerous emotions all weekend.
“As I stated, I anticipated a battle on this monitor. We’re utilizing a unique engine configuration, and I don’t really feel good with it. The spin degree might be worse than the opposite one, after which the highest pace is far much less.
Picture by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Photos
“So, within the different races I used to be capable of be quite a bit nearer to the primary one, to the group, and doubtless with the ability to combat with the group of the highest 10.
“Right here I didn’t have any choice to do it. So, we most likely took a step again to make two ahead sooner or later. However in the mean time it’s powerful and the scenario is like this – it’s even worse.”
He added: “The margin [of the updated engine] is increased. And within the short-term, it’s most likely higher to obtain some upgrades. So, it’s the suitable selection.”
Marini agreed with Mir’s suggestions but additionally famous that he was capable of truly get pleasure from using the bike now.
“With the brand new improve, the spin is extra,” the Italian stated. “It’s considered one of our issues, however [on] this monitor the spin is an issue for everyone – I believe additionally for Pecco [Bagnaia]!
“So, we have now to be targeted and good to grasp through which space to work.
“In my view, we’re doing an incredible job, we simply want to attend for extra upgrades and discover extra efficiency as a result of at the least now the bike is [at a point] the place I can get pleasure from.
“I really feel not in an unbelievable manner however for positive significantly better than within the first races of the season. So, now I can journey, I can defend myself and I can assault, so that is nice.
“However nonetheless, we miss efficiency. So, we’re ready for this. Perhaps in Mugello we will have one thing extra.”
