There was great anticipation in Madrid for the presentation of the Repsol Honda Team. Not so much for the colors, which are always the traditional ones of the Spanish oil giant, which hosted the event and has reached the 25th year of its partnership, or for the bike, already seen at the Sepang tests. But because 2023 will be a year in which both Honda and Marc Marquez will inevitably play a lot.
The rider from Cervera seems to have finally put behind him the physical problems that forced him to undergo surgery four times on his right humerus, but he’s also just back from his first season (if we exclude the skipped 2020 practically entirely) in which he has never managed to get on the top step of the podium.
The same goes for the Japanese manufacturer, from which it has asked for a massive effort to try to get back on track and try to counter Ducati’s dominance last season. Which is not easy, given that the starting point is the last place in the Constructors’ standings.
Marc Marquez, Repsol Honda Team, Joan Mir, Repsol Honda Team
Photo by: Repsol Media
It cannot be said that in Japan they have been idle, because since the Misano test, that of Marc’s return after the fourth operation, the innovations seen on the RC213V have been really many, but so far that long-awaited breakthrough has not still arrived.
Even in the tests two weeks ago in Malaysia there was really a lot of material available, but in the end the #93 underlined that the music hadn’t changed too much compared to what he tested in Valencia at the end of 2022, with the bike still its problems of lack of grip at the rear.
“We have worked hard to improve our bike and we will continue to do so day by day, to further perfect these innovations. This year is a big challenge because MotoGP has become a very competitive ecosystem,” said HRC general manager Tetsuhiro Kuwata .
If nothing else, there will now be another world champion like Joan Mir to lend a hand to Marquez with development, today making his real debut with the Repsol colours. The Majorcan is without a doubt an important addition to the team, bringing not only talent but also his experience on the back of what was probably the most balanced bike on the grid, the Suzuki.
Livery of the Repsol Honda Team bike
Photo by: Repsol Media
“It’s a fantastic team. I’m very happy to see Marc Márquez’s physical condition. He’s had difficult years, but he’s strong. We all know what he’s capable of,” added the Japanese manager on the very strong line-up set up for this season.
Another important ally arrives from Hamamatsu, the new technical director Ken Kawauchi. The fact that such an important figure has arrived from a rival brand says a lot about how much Honda is really trying to get back to winning ways. Also because they know very well that this is the only key to convincing Marquez not to interrupt what seemed up until just three years ago to be a love story destined to last forever.
The future is in the hands of both and it will already be clear from the Portimao tests next week whether at least the right path has been taken or not. Whatever happens, the one presented today will really be a crucial season…
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Livery of the Repsol Honda Team bike
Photo by: Repsol Media
