We all are aware the 2020 MotoGP season for Honda Racing did not go well, and there are various reasons.
Top among them are coronavirus infection, and due to injury Honda’s leading rider, Marc Marquez was out for most of the 2020 MotoGP season.
Mr Tetsuhiro Hikita and Mr Takehiro Koyasu
Interview
However, Mr Tetsuhiro Hikita, Director of Honda Racing, and Mr Takehiro Koyasu, Development Manager of RC213V 20YM Development Office, analyzed why 2020 MotoGP season was not well for Honda.
Talking in an interview, Mr Hikita said, “2020, which ended in unwinning, was a season of complete defeat in a nutshell, but it was a year in which we learned a lot from the loss. I think this season everything stays connected. “
Analysis and statistics
Statistics show how Honda Racing comes placed in 2020 MotoGP season.
- 10th position for Takaaki Nakagami
- While Alex Marquez stood at 14th position
- Cal Crutchlow went down and stood at 18th
- The saviour Stefan Bradl stood 19th
- Stefan Bradl replaced Marc Marquez who was out due to injury.
- When it comes to constructors standing, Honda Racing stood on 5th place.
Honda did struggle in the first half of the 2020 MotoGP reason. However, Alex Marquez’s podium and Takaaki Nakagami’s first pole did show Honda was gradually improving.
The first half of the 2020 MotoGP season
Mr Hikita further talks about the first half of the 2020 MotoGP season.
“First of all, we started with the winter test, suffered a lot from the new rear tires, and struggled until the Qatar test.
After that, the new coronavirus spread caused us to face a problematic situation where all tests and races were cancelled. Among them, we proceeded with the development of the machine. “
“And he put the machine in good condition into Jerez in the opening round, and Marc Marquez showed a spectacular run but was injured.
After that, the rider who brings out the potential of RC213V in the 2020 season. It was a year when I didn’t show up and kept thinking about bringing out the possibility of our machine to other riders. “
Delay in RC213V development
Mr Koyasu talks about RC213V development. “We reviewed everything from the engine to the car body,” he said. “One of the development concepts in 2020 is to improve power performance, such as acceleration and maximum speed.
And the downforce comes gained by suppressing wheelies developing aero areas such as wings, which is comes developed recently. I went in the direction. “
“We were able to achieve that subject, but on the other hand, we came to know in the Qatar test just before the opening that the turning area was adversely affected since there was no time before the start, the 2019 wing.
We decided to bring it back, and we went ahead as per the plan to proceed with development in that area during the season.
Due to the influence of the new coronavirus, the MotoGP regulations had to change, and we are not able to achieve.”
Mr Koyasu was speaking when there was a delay in the development of 2020 RC213V.
Performance of riders
Further, they did talk about the performance of each rider.
Alex Marquez said “Because it’s a rookie year, I had one goal to be in the top five in the second half of the season, but in the end, it was more than I expected. In that sense, he was a good year for us, and we are happy with the result. “
Nakagami said “We focused on making the machine run faster, and tried and errored while looking at the data with the development team.
We made it all our own. He acquired the skills to bring out the potential and felt his high potential, “he commented.
On Stefan Bradl he said, “He may be the rider who ran the longest distance of all MotoGP riders last season.
He has done both racing and testing, so it is a harsh environment because he was in a challenging physical condition.
And there was no test after the corona, and he was suddenly asked to come to the race, but he soon overcame it.
I’m very grateful that he showed me the speed of being in the top 10 in the final race. “
Cal Crutchlow leaves Honda, “Crutchlow was injured last year and couldn’t fully demonstrate his actual speed.
Still, he showed speed in some places, and I felt he was still a potential rider. I want to support his new path “.
Accepting the defeat and future
However, Mr Hikita did not comment on the Marc Marquez and further said.
Accepting last year’s results, I would like to thoroughly review the power performance and body performance as a challenger on the development side.
Of course, this year’s goal is to regain the triple crown. Last year, I could not show Honda’s strength. Therefore, I would like to have a race that will make the customers who see Honda feel strong “.
The 2021 MotoGP season will be crucial for Repsol Honda as we expect Marc Marquez back in action side by side with new entrant Pol Espargaro.
For LCR Honda Takaaki Nakagami and Alex Marquez are favourites.
