Honda’s MotoGP project turnarounds are welcome.
The worst of the five-man makers in 2024, Honda has stepped up the game dramatically after two rounds of the new MotoGP season.
The three Honda riders finished with a statement of key intentions inside the top 10 of Argentina’s Motogpu.
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“We saw Honda’s progress in the winter and thought things would go well,” Lewis Duncan told the Clash MotoGP podcast.
“I don’t know if we were expecting them there very quickly.
“Obviously, there is the issue of that being power. I saw it in the Grand Prix and Sprint.
“When there’s a bike around him, he really fights it.
“That’s why qualifying is even more important for Honda.”
Johann Zarco tilted for the MotoGP Podium
Johann Zarco led the way as a Japanese manufacturer.
He came third in Argentina, and then delivered the unimaginable P4 and P6 finishes last year.
“Zarco was amazing. I saw this last year when he jumped on a Honda,” Lewis Duncan said.
“To be honest, I didn’t really think about this move…
“I thought it took me a while to win the Grand Prix. I turned my back on Ducati.
“Ducati may move him to a superbike around the world after offering to stay at Pramac.
“He was 34. He signed a two-year deal with Honda. I really didn’t get logic.
“But fair play to Zarco! He was Honda’s main light.
“He gets there, the podium is coming, it’s only a matter of time.
“Maybe Austin, Geres, certainly not about power.
“Luca Marini had a great weekend in Honda, and it’s all gathered for them.
“Look at KTM, Yamaha and Aprilia. Honda is the second best manufacturer at the moment and has come out of Argentina!
“Honda needs to keep their feet on the ground and continue to develop, but there’s a reason to be happy.”
Honda may still have a playing card card to play. They can take advantage of the rules of concession and have Alex Espargaro and Takaki Nakagami as test riders whose racing careers ended last year.
Honda has a new technical director at Romano Albeciano. The impact has not yet been felt.
“This is a bike that has not been influenced by the Romano Albeciano,” Lewis Duncan said.
“Zarco said, ‘He was only here for a month when we started testing. This bike was developed by Japanese engineers, they’re not stupid.”
“Albeciano felt he had to figure it out, and I don’t think it’s that way anymore.
“He can touch it, and it should bring their game up even further.
“Honda is legal, I don’t think it’s a flash of bread.
“Honda aims to become the second best manufacturer this year.”