There is a lot of anticipation for the new Honda: will it finally be up to the Ducati? Does HRC still believe in MotoGP? Will Alex Rins adapt to this bike so different from the Suzuki that he rode for five years? Will Takaaki Nakagami be as fast again as he was in 2020? Only Lucio Cecchinello can answerwith full knowledge of the facts, to these questions: he is the guest of the 97th episode of #atuttogas.
“They are proud – underlines Lucio – of having managed to sign a contract with Rins: he could have gone to Ducati with Gresini or to Aprilia with Razali. But in the end he chose the LCR team ”.
The rider is not discussed, but, incredibly, the question mark is the bike. Cecchinello, however, believes in Honda.
“HRC, for many reasons, has gone through a difficult period, with several reasons that slowed down the development and intensity of work. In 2022, a RCV was presented that changed in weight distribution, fairing and aerodynamics. We expect 2023 to be a step forward, even if we don’t expect to be immediately competitive at the Ducati level”.
In the podcast, Cecchinello details the changes made in Japan in the racing department.
“There were many, both at home and in the organization on the track: it’s normal to be like this after a negative period. There are important news: it can be done well. Honda wins in everything it does, it will be competitive again in MotoGP too”.
However, it is clear that time is needed, one cannot think of solving all the problems in a few months.
“You don’t turn the tables overnight, but if they want to, they’ll get there. But I don’t think that, ready to go to Portugal, we will fight for the victory”.
Cecchinello gives great praise to Rins.
“He is a great professional. Honestly, in Valencia I expected something more in the lap time, but I liked his approach. He was impressed by the smooth delivery of the engine, he asked for a more direct connection to the gas”.
They are Nakagami.
“He’s definitely a fast driver, but we know that struggles to handle pressure. He is working very hard, he is collaborating with psychological support, he is doing a lot of work on himself. He knows that for him it is the last chance ”.
Who are the drivers to beat in 2023? Is Marquez among the favourites? All Cecchinello’s answers in the 97th episode of #atuttogas, online on moto.it and on the main podcast platforms starting from Sunday 15 January.
See you next week for a new episode of #atuttogas
