Stefan Bradl Convinced Honda Now Knows How To Get Rid Of Their Weaknesses - Updates By Fall 2022?
Categories: MotoGP
Stefan Bradl is convinced that the Honda technicians understood at this week’s Jerez tests how the weaknesses of the factory Honda can be eliminated.
Marc Marquez substitute rider Stefan Bradl tested this week on Wednesday and Thursday in Jerez. After it turned out that extreme heat was one of the biggest flaws of the new Honda, the extreme high temperatures in Jerez were quite helpful.
In an interview with Speedweek.com, Bradl states: “We had track temperatures of 60 degrees on Thursday. That’s when we decided to work on the heat problem.”
Bradl himself had been burned at the Sachsenring due to his Honda unable to dissipate the ongoing heat near the rider’s feet.
#GermanGP race summary
— Stefan Bradl (@stefanbradl) June 19, 2022
🎙️ "It's not nice how this weekend ended because the heat forced a big problem. The lever of the handlebar got hot so that I couldn't brake and control the bike, it was incredibly physically demanding and I also have a burn on my right foot." pic.twitter.com/G9kWfR8INH
“We need to be ready for such high air temperatures. The Honda engineers have also realized this and understood the message. Thankfully, the technicians had some ideas regarding the internal air flow.”
But heat is not the only problem the Honda riders are currently facing. The Honda is lacking race pace and is nowhere to be seen on a fast lap.
It seems the bike is fully out of balance after trying to achieve a better feeling on the front for Marc Marquez while Pol Espargaro had insisted on more grip on the rear.
But, although, having just achieved their worst race result in about 40 years, there is a light at the end of the tunnel – even though it’s probably as dim as a firefly.
Test rider Bradl states: “We have now begun to understand why we have been so weak so far. At least, we now understand where we need to pull the lever.”
However, for every Honda fan getting excited for a Honda on the podium at the next race, he dampens the expectations: “That won’t happen in the blink of an eye. Our problem won’t be solved by the next Grand Prix or in the next two months.”
The German continues: “There are big parts in the chassis area that have to be changed. But it is feasible. I think we’ll see some updates this season. I imagine that it is also the plan of Honda engineers to test new components in races in fall of this year.”
