MotoGP: Honda tests new aerodynamics at Jerez test

Marc Márquez has not returned to MotoGP in his best form. The rider from Cervera continues with his recovery and in the Jerez test he only did seven laps due to discomfort in his neck and shoulders. Furthermore, the Honda RC213V has shown that it is no longer a winning bike, compared to Yamaha or Ducati .

The Japanese manufacturer knows that they have lost the path of victory and are working hard to get back on it as soon as possible. They will do it with the hope that the bike will be competitive again so that the eight-time world champion shows that they can fight to win again.

For this reason, the Jerez test was very important for Honda, which was looking for solutions to its problems. Márquez was clear: “The rivals escape us in power and we have to understand the behavior of the bike when passing and exiting the corners.”

After making the diagnosis, solutions are needed. Something has already been seen in Jerez, but the feeling that HRC gives is that they still have to adapt and feel more comfortable with the Michelin tires that were introduced last season.

Marc Marquez tests the fairing already used in preseason

Márquez and Takaaki Nakagami mounted the fairing that test rider Stefan Bradl tested in pre-season testing in Qatar. Honda is working on the aerodynamics, as the Japanese continue with the 2020 configuration, so they have the possibility of homologating a new version.

The fins have been modified to a different design, more similar to the Yamaha ones, causing the airflows to work in a different way to produce a little more downforce on the front end. This avoids the tendency to wheelie (wheelie) when accelerating, which then translates into skidding at the rear caused by lack of grip.

But, the great news comes from the hand of the new dome that Pol Espargaró has tried. After several years, they have radically changed the air intake. It is no longer rectangular and wide, but has become vertical and narrow. This indicates that a change has been made in the design of the internal fluids of the ducts to generate more power to the motorcycle at medium-low revolutions with the same engine that is homologated.

Also, it is interesting to note how Honda is adopting solutions taken by other teams, more specifically Yamaha.