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After the official Hondas triumphed last weekend at Misano, conquering the first two steps of the podium (also thanks to the ruinous falls of the Ducati, in the lead for most of the race), it’s the moment of truth at Honda. With Marc out of action again due to an accident during training, it will be Pol Espargarò’s job to tow Honda into 2022, and the next two races will be fertile ground for important tests.
How important is this race for Honda’s progress?
“I’ve always enjoyed racing on this track,” Pol explained. “Even if the result wasn’t great with KTM last year, the feeling was good. This year, however, we had several problems the first time we raced here, and I also fell, so I don’t have great memories here in Portimão for the moment. During the summer break, I came here for some tests, so I might be more on my toes than others, and Honda has improved in the meantime too, so I hope to be able to do well this weekend, especially after the excellent result at Misano.”
Honda is obviously working to tow the bike into the 2022 season. How important are these last two races for development? How much will Marc’s absence count in this sense?
“In the last few races, we worked mainly on development because, in terms of the championship, I didn’t get a chance until now. At the moment, I have mixed feelings because, if on one hand, the season has not gone very well on the whole, we also have had good results like the one at Misano, and this leads you to think a lot about your future. Now what matters to me is trying to be comfortable on the bike in these last few races and then being able to reset everything and start from scratch again next year. There will certainly be a lot of work to be done in terms of development, in order to bridge the gap with other teams.”
So, what do you expect from Honda?
“I’d like more speed, especially more speed when entering corners, but I know that Honda is already working on it.”
Marc will miss this race after an unfortunate accident during a training session that caused him a slight head injury, right after Misano, where he returned on the podium.
“Marc knows his physical condition better than anyone else. If he decided not to race, he must have valid reasons. At the end of the game, even if we riders live for adrenaline, tin order o be able to get on the bike and simply give it gas, your health comes first. The MotoGP is not an easy sport. It’s physically very demanding to race at these speeds, so you have to maintain excellent concentration. I hope he can return to Valencia, because Marc is essential for all of us in Honda, to be able to understand and help develop this bike.”
