Honda is seeking to snap a barren interval that has seen it rating one race win in two years and go with no title since 2019.
Whereas HRC made huge features with its 2024 RC213 in comparison with its predecessor, Honda continues to be lagging behind its rivals as the brand new season approaches.
“I feel we tried every little thing we wanted to strive, we perceive many issues,” Marini stated after the ultimate day of the Qatar take a look at.
“So, now we’ve got a whole lot of knowledge and we will put together effectively in one of the best ways for the GP.
“Seems like we’re nonetheless distant, however the feeling on the bike has improved.
“So, I’m glad on one facet however for positive the hole is de facto big, particularly after we need to put in new tyres, the smooth tyre, we can not use them effectively.”
Luca Marini, Repsol Honda Staff
Picture by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Photos
Marini added that he didn’t anticipate Honda’s rivals to take the step that they’ve in pre-season testing and has urged HRC to stay “affected person” because it “will arrive” finally.
“About our efficiency, I didn’t anticipate a giant enchancment from the others as a result of the lap instances they made right here [in Qatar] and in addition in Sepang are unbelievable,” he stated after ending the ultimate take a look at twentieth.
“About our lap time, I feel it was fairly regular. We’re on this second the place we begin from actually behind, we must be affected person. We’ll arrive.”
Because of concession guidelines, Honda will have the ability to take a look at freely throughout the 12 months with its race riders and can have the ability to improve its engine all through the season.
At present, rear grip stays the problem for Honda, with Marini noting {that a} lack of traction is stopping him from maximising the bike on time assault whereas additionally inflicting issues in braking.
“We aren’t so robust in braking, particularly after we placed on a brand new rear smooth,” he defined.
“We can not use – I don’t know why – the rear tyre to cease the bike in braking, whereas Ducati makes use of it lots they usually can acquire lots in that second.
“So, to attempt to make the lap time it’s important to journey differently and I’m adapting, I’m rising.
“Right this moment [last day of the test] I used to be driving far more in a Honda fashion in comparison with yesterday, so that is good. For positive, I’ll attempt to do much more when the GP begins.
“Grip, utilizing higher the rear tyre [is what we need]. Solely rear. Rear in entry, center of the nook, exit.
“Now we’ve got to look solely at this a part of the bike as a result of it’s the place we’re lacking extra.
“For positive there’s a lack of different issues in different components, however now the grip is what doesn’t enable us to be robust and quick with the smooth rear tyre but additionally with the tempo with used tyres. So, we have to enhance on this space.”
