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Recently, it's not often that we see a Honda in the top parts of the standings, but today, in Barcelona, Takaaki Nakagami did it. The RC231V of the LCR team is in 5th place thanks to the Japanese rider, but he is not as happy as one might imagine.
“When I mounted the new soft tyre to set the time it went quite well, but with the medium I am too slow - explained Taka - I can't find grip on the rear, the sensations are not positive. With the soft I easily lowered my time by a second but I don't know if it can do the whole race, I'll try to find out tomorrow ”.
Nakagami's biggest problem, however, was another…
“The wind - he admitted - The bike was very unstable when braking, especially at the first corner, it went left and right, I couldn't choose the line. This was a strange day; I hope the conditions are better tomorrow. We have to make the bike less nervous, because it is difficult to push hard and I also have some problems with my forearms ”.
Tomorrow will be crucial for the Japanese rider…
"I don't have great confidence with the front, I'm not surprised that Bradl crashed at turn 5, it's easy there - he continued - Then I'd like to see if I can use the soft rear tyre in the race, because the Michelin guys don't recommend it. We'll see, the important thing is to stay calm and not make too many changes on the bike, otherwise you risk losing your way. "
Cal Crutchlow, his teammate, has to deal with physical more than set-up problems. After his incident in the paddock, the concerns were all about his injured ankle, but it was his forearm that created the biggest problems.
"My ankle is a bit swollen but it doesn't give me any problems when riding - he explained - But I have pain in my forearm, yesterday it was perfect while today it swelled up after the first free practice session, it's double the normal size. The problem seems to be the tendon, it is very stiff, and the sensations are the same as I had before the operation for compartment syndrome. In the afternoon, the situation improved slightly, I don't know if riding it will improve, I hope so”.
