Johann Zarco finished in 18th position during the Misano tests. Nothing exciting, were it not for the sensations he felt on the bike, due to the innovations brought by Honda, which finally made him think he was on the right track for getting out of the crisis that has plagued the Japanese manufacturer for several championships.
"We tested three important things that worked quite well but, above all, it seems like something happened and we're no longer stuck as before, even if it's still difficult to notice from the chrono feedback," the LCR team rider said. "We'll see if we'll have all the pieces available as early as the second round in Misano. I don't know what the schedule is, but it was good to accumulate so many laps. Hopefully, this will translate into good results in the Asian races because, currently, everyone is very fast and recuperating positions is difficult."
The aerodynamic package that arrived ad hoc from Japan also gave positive feedback. "Especially in some areas of the corner and some areas of the track, but not where we lose the most at the moment, also because I don't think it comes from the fairing. That's why we made several changes to the frame, in order to improve in acceleration."
Like everyone else, the transalpine rider was able to test the new Michelin front tire with 2025 in mind. "I felt good with it. When I mounted it, I was immediately fast, and it allowed me to be more aggressive. At the moment, we can only gain from this element," he said.
Unlike Joan Mir who, on the sidelines of the Romagna event said he was concerned about the lack of a totally revolutionized bike, the rider from Cannes said: "I'm not anxious. I just try to attack when I have to, progress. and find ways to grow. From 2023 to 2024. the change has been abysmal. and even the one tested here is a very different RC213V. Without the rear wings. and with the new aerodynamics. I noticed an improvement in entry, specifically at turn eleven. When you feel you have more stability, you start smiling inside your helmet. On the contrary, we're still struggling on acceleration and not just because of grip but because of the way we have to push."
Finally, a thought on the possible introduction of a radio, like in the F1. "It may be interesting for the best, but not for those who are behind and struggling, because they're struggling. Personally, I'm not very much in favor of it. For example, if there had been communications in last Sunday's GP, Martin wouldn't have pitted, and I wouldn't have finished twelfth. So, better nothing. Compared to cars, riders here still make a difference," he concluded.