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Joan Mir was knocked out of the Misano weekend by a violent stomach bug that prevented him from doing one single lap from Friday to Sunday. But the Spanish rider held on, trying to be in somewhat of an acceptable shape for today's tests, which are historically very important for Japanese manufacturers that often debut their prototypes for the following season on this very occasion.
However, this isn't the case for Honda, which provided riders with several new features, but nothing revolutionary. The new aerodynamics were promoted by both Marini and Mir, but there's certainly still a long way to go to catch up with their rivals, and time is running out. After Misano 2, a series of non European races will begin that will leave no time for anyone to do more testing before Valencia, and the concern painted on Joan Mir's face says more than any words could.
"I'm certainly not at one-hundred percent," Mir began. "But, at least, I could do this test today and, honestly, it's already a kind of victory for us.
Was it a good day?
"I wouldn't say it was a positive day. I expected more honestly. We tried some aerodynamic solutions, some things regarding the frame. The aerodynamic package worked quite well. I think we'll use it in the upcoming races. But there was no revolution, and the thing that strikes me is that we were in Misano today for tests that were absolutely expected, and I think it's normal on my part that I expected more new things to try out."
Won't there be more testing soon?
"It's impossible, given the schedule. The next test is in Valencia, and that makes me quite worried."
Marini promoted the new aerodynamics, what do you think?
"The aerodynamics gives a bit more directionality to the bike but, in the past, I remember that Honda brought a completely new bike here in Misano, while we tested just a few pieces today. Honestly, I think we can do a lot more. I expected more but, instead, that's how it went."
How did the Japanese respond to you about this lack of real innovation?
"The Japanese see the concern on my face. I just hope they keep working hard and bring parts that work as soon as possible, that's all."
As for the new Michelin front tire, did you like it?
"The new Michelin tire is interesting, it makes you ride in a very different way, and I think it works well. It feels like it's wider, but it really isn't. It makes you feel comfortable right away. But, certainly ,a lot of work will have to be done on the set-up of the bike to make it work well."
