Johann Zarko has endured what he described as the toughest MotoGP weekend of the season, so Honda suggests that Mugero should be adopted as a dedicated test track to accelerate its development.
After a victory at Dream House at Le Mans, Johann Salko was unable to score points in the second round after being backed up to a dry ranger-up finish at Silverstone.
At the Italian Grand Prix, Zarco entered 14th place, taking out on Turn 1 of Saturday’s sprint and crashing from Sunday’s race outside the top 10.
“This is a truck we struggle even more than the others. Why? I don’t know,” Zarco admitted at the Mugello event.
“It could be an idea for next year, perhaps, to place Mugello as a test track for Honda, because there’s a lot to learn from here.
“And this will help us create another step for the future.
“It’s two weeks – Aragon and here – I don’t feel very good on the bike, I’m not getting points and I’m not qualifying very well.”
Joan Mir was the top Honda rider last Sunday in 11th place, but Yamaha also struggled, with Miguel Oliveira finishing in 13th place as the top M1.
The low grip levels caused by burning temperatures in Italian trucks were a common complaint among both Japanese manufacturers.
“The bike doesn’t want to get into the corner, so I always make slides,” Zarco explained.
“I think that’s why I saw Mark (Marquez) being so strong, because the feeling of asphalt was similar to Aragon.”
The French made progress on Sunday, but when they were kicked out at the final corner on the fourth lap, it was counted nothing.
“I didn’t expect a crash because I felt good in that corner all weekend and actually enjoyed getting through it,” he said.
“I lost the front line and I think it is due to the temperature of the tires.
“That’s a shame because after yesterday’s results I wanted to score some points and finish the weekend with a positive note.
“That being said, we took a step forward, I enjoyed the rap I had completed, felt strong and overtook the other riders.
“In any case, I’ll take this weekend’s lesson and try again at Assen.”
Fortunately for Zarco and Honda, the Netherlands Motogp at Assen is forecast to have a temperature of about 10 degrees cooler.
Honda and Yamaha’s current D concession rankings include options for private testing at the Grand Prix Circuit, unless they are within two weeks of the event.
Zarco has not yet officially announced that he will be staying at Honda next season, but has been seeking seating for the factory HRC team.
However, the French are expected to remain in the LCR amid rumours that Jorge Martin might become available if he splits from Aprilia.