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Marc Marquez can breathe a sigh of relief. The second fastest time set today sees him leave the difficulties behind him, but the Spaniard is keeping his feet on the ground, because there is still a great deal of work to be done. And one problem in particular to solve.
Do you think this engine is too powerful?
“I don't think so, particularly if we compare it to the other bikes. We have to understand how to work on corner exit and acceleration, we'll have to see how we can do that, but we've definitely improved anyway”.
What's changed compared to Malaysia one year ago? You were very worried back then.
“In some ways it's similar, though in 2016 I was far from the front and couldn't understand the problems. I prefer to wait before passing judgment though, because this track is unique, very hot, but we're definitely working to improve. Then we'll have to do something in terms of the tyres. ”
Where do the problems stem from?
“One of the issues has to do with the fact we still have last year's base set-up, and we need to change that. During this test, I've also used the second bike, sacrificing the time attack”.
Do you expect further growth in Australia?
“I don't know if we'll be able to take a step forward at Phillip Island to reach a better level. We have to take it one step at a time, aware that there is work to do on the electronics. This is the main aspect to solve in Australia, even if we've shown that we're consistent here today”.
Daniel Pedrosa has also stepped it up on this final day of testing. The Spaniard finishes fourth, ahead of Valentino Rossi.
“It was a long day, the session without rain helped us to understand the sensation with the bike. We've made progress, especially considering the difficulties. We'll need to make some changes back in Japan, particularly in terms of the electronics”.
You seem calmer.
“I'd say i'm satisfied, as we've been able to improve the times, but there's also a great synergy within the team with the new guys. The problems we had have been solved in part. I've noted that work on the bike is moving more quickly and this is a positive ahead of the next tests”.
What about the electronics?
“We need to speak to the guys back at base to better understand certain components. As I said, there are still some issues that need to be solved back in Japan”.
Will there by two different engines at Phillip Island or just one?
“I don't know, I still have to have a briefing with the team. We'll talk to Honda to see which engines to bring”.
Have you had positive sensations in terms of the setting?
“Definitely. Unfortunately, we've had some issues here with electronics, with a lack of grip and some wheelieing. The guys are working to make changes to the mapping, the gearing. On track I got on well and have clear ideas about the steps we need to take”
