The Honda LCR team is suffering and the general classification is a bit of a litmus test of the situation. So far, in fact, the team led by Lucio Cecchinello has collected 24 points, worse than it only the official team of the House of the Golden Wing, HRC, stuck at 15. Aware of the many critical issues to face, the manager was nevertheless keen to underline how much the Japanese are rolling up their sleeves to find a solution.
“They are working hard,” he told DAZN. “We have been working with them since 2006 and we have never seen so many engineers involved and so much material. The effort they are putting in is enormous, but for now the results we hoped for are not coming.”
Thanks to the latest innovations brought by the manufacturer, there has been an improvement, but barely perceptible or at least not enough to make a step forward. “We have certainly improved our lap time compared to last year, but so has the rest of the group, so to get closer we will have to push even harder,” he revealed.
In the next races, the RC213V should undergo a further evolution towards which the Venetian manager has great hopes. “New aerodynamic parts should arrive, an updated engine and a chassis. The plan is clear and the goal is to finish the season with a more competitive bike. The Honda top brass will be present at Motegi, so we will all have a lot of pressure”, he then admitted.
A breath of fresh air amidst so many problems was the recent victory at the Suzuka 8 Hours with Zarco. “It was important for us, as for Johann. A success is always a source of motivation, especially if it happens in a race that has always been crucial for the brand. Now all we need is MotoGP,” he acknowledged before closing with a look to 2025.
The announcement of the new lineup should come soon, almost certainly during the Austria weekend. “Ogura is our first choice, but we are currently also talking to Nakagami and Somkiat Chantra. One thing is for sure, the second bike will go to an Asian rider,” he finally admitted.
