With each test of the 2024 Honda bike in MotoGP preseason testing, Joan Mir believes the company is “getting closer” to its competitors.
Since last November, when the Japanese company aims to end a drought, the 2020 world champion has been largely positive about Honda’s present course.
After finishing Monday’s first day of the Qatar test in 13th place, less than eight-tenths of a second off the fastest time, Joan Mir observed that the sections of the bike that had troubled in 2023 had improved right away from his initial runs.
Because of this, he believes that with each testing run this winter, the 2024 RC213V gets closer to being a more competitive vehicle.
When questioned by Motorsport.com about whether he could sense Honda improving with each test, he replied, “At the moment I have this feeling that we are getting closer.”
Although we are not where we want to be, I can see some potential, and the bike was better today [the first day], in several spots where we were having a lot of trouble last year.
Therefore, it indicates that I am becoming more at ease and capable of handling the bike better since I was able to increase my lap time on the qualifying pace on the first day without pushing [to] the last limit.
“Even now, I’m not stopping where I should be. However, we need to change this by tomorrow.
“I can now appreciate it better. When I’m enjoying myself, I think I move quickly.
One major issue that has dogged Honda for several years is traction, which Mir acknowledges hasn’t improved during the first day of testing in Qatar.
He continued, “To be honest, we didn’t improve the grip or traction at this time. “Since Sepang, nothing has changed. All we are doing is making do with what we have.
“I believe there is potential, but our grip and acceleration are undoubtedly our weaknesses.
Additionally, you suffer in the latter laps of the race when you have this issue. You will always drop more than the others, but you can manage it.
The Qatar test comes to an end on Tuesday, one week before the season begins next month. However, because of the new concession structure, Honda will be allowed to continue testing with its race riders during the season.
