Based on the impressions of the MotoGP test in Valencia, new parts for the Honda RC213V were developed in Tokyo: Stefan Bradl is testing this week in Jerez
Honda picks up the pace of development. Following the positive test of the 2024 machine in Valencia, HRC developed new parts for the MotoGP bike in Japan, which will be tested this week by test rider Stefan Bradl at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto
Under the direction of Ramon Aurin, the engineer in charge of the Honda test and development team, Stefan Bradl will mount the 2024 version of the Honda RC213V on Tuesday. Honda is using the final two test days of the year before the test ban for the MotoGP and Superbike World Championship teams begins.
The 2024 version of the Honda RC213V was presented at the MotoGP post-season test in Valencia, where test rider Stefan Bradl was not present. Honda tested with regular rider Joan Mir and newcomer Luca Marini
Optimism after testing the 2024 version: Has Honda overcome the low?
The impressions on this test day could not have been more optimistic. Mir was publicly positive about the 2024 Honda (for reaction). Marini praised the bike away from the microphone, as the Italian was unable to make any statements as he is still under contract with VR46 until the end of the year.
“I’m pretty happy. It’s the first time they’ve brought something to a test that worked,” said Mir at the end of the official test day in Valencia at the end of November. “We tried a lot of things and we didn’t have time to put on the soft tires to chase times. But I am very satisfied,” summed up the Mallorcan rider.
What Honda needs to improve on the RC213V
LCR newcomer Johann Zarco also had the opportunity to test the new Honda prototype. The Frenchman brings a lot of experience from Ducati to Honda. Due to his contract with Ducati, Zarco was unable to speak in Valencia, but team owner Lucio Cecchinello did.
“Johann tested the 2023 bike and then the 2024 version. He noticed a clear difference on corner entry and grip at the rear. We were surprised, it looks like a clear step forward,” said the former Grand Prix rider, hinting at significant progress at Honda.
In this sense, Cecchinello already said after this test that they had communicated their conclusions very precisely to the Honda engineers: “The instructions we gave put particular emphasis on weight distribution. If you look at all the crashes in 2023, the main cause was the loss of the front.”
“We asked for a bike with a different balance and a center of gravity further back. In terms of size, the new bike is slightly longer and weighs less,” explains the LCR Team Principal.
Will the revised engine already be used in Jerez?
It is not yet known whether the new 2024 engine will be available for testing on the two days in Jerez or whether, as speculated in Valencia, the new power unit will only be tested at the Sepang test in February.
With the new concessions, Honda (and Yamaha) riders will be able to take part in the shakedown test at Sepang from February 1-3, in addition to the official test at the same circuit from February 6-8, before the final pre-season test in Qatar on February 19-20.
This gives Honda (and Yamaha) up to eight days of testing before the start of the 2024 season in Lusail on March 10. The weather forecast for Jerez calls for sunny conditions throughout Tuesday with temperatures above 16 degrees Celsius, dropping to 13 degrees Celsius on Wednesday when some clouds are expected.
In addition to the Japanese manufacturer’s entire MotoGP test and development team, part of the WSBK team is also present. Further tests will be carried out with the Honda Fireblade. Test rider Tetsuta Nagashima is to carry out these tests
