MotoGP, Cecchinello: "Our second rider for 2025 will be Asian."

The Honda LCR team is suffering, and the overall standings are a bit of a litmus test of the situation. So far, in fact, the team run by Lucio Cecchinello has picked up 24 points, worse than it only the official stable of the Golden Wing manufacturer, HRC, which is on 15.Aware of the many critical issues to be addressed, the Italian manager, however, was keen to emphasize how much the Japanese are rolling up their sleeves to find a solution.

"They are working hard ," he told DAZN, " We have been working with them since 2006, and we have never seen so many engineers involved and so much material. The effort they are putting in is enormous, however, for now the hoped-for results are not coming."

Thanks to the latest developments brought by the manufacturer there has been an improvement, but barely perceptible or at any rate not enough to make a breakthrough. "Certainly compared to last year we have improved our lap times, but so has the rest of the group, so to get closer we will have to push even harder," he revealed.

In the coming races, the RC213V should undergo further evolution towards which the Veneto manager has high hopes. "New aerodynamic parts, an updated engine and chassis should arrive. The plan is clear and the goal is to finish the season with a more competitive bike. Honda top management will be present in Motegi, so we will all be under great pressure," he then admitted.

A breath of fresh air amid many problems was the recent victory at the Suzuka 8 Hours with Zarco. "It was important for us, as it was for Johann. A success is always a source of motivation, especially if it happens in a race that has always been crucial for the brand. Now all we need is MotoGP," he acknowledged before concluding with a look ahead to 2025.

The announcement of the new lineup is expected to come soon, almost certainly during the Austrian weekend. "Ogura is our first choice, but we are also currently talking to Nakagami and Somkiat Chantra. One thing is certain the second bike will go to an Asian rider," he finally admitted.