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Johann Zarco left Malaysia with a 7th place in the standings and in a somewhat lighter mood than last year's championship finale. While the feeling in Barcelona was that they were still navigating on sight, the few months off have served to shake up Honda, which, in these early tests for 2025, showed signs of recovery. Clearly, it was not a major change, but at least some indications that demonstrate that the path chosen is a good one.
"The bike hasn't changed that much, but we have managed to make progress. I myself was able to improve in my riding. I noticed that when I had to make a time attack with new rubber I was more or less there with the best, and that gave me confidence and pleasure to get out on the track. However, the weak points remain the same. Albesiano will lend a big hand, but in one month he won't be able to revolutionize Honda's plans. He certainly won't be able to replicate an Aprilia, and that's not even the goal. Even if he has ideas it takes time to implement them. In Sepang we made progress, such that we can start the season well. The hope is always that all of a sudden something will come along that will allow us to make a remarkable step forward," the Frenchman said on the eve of the two-day test in Buriram.
Can your experience in Ducati help Honda progress?
"I can only express feelings, but I have no technical expertise. Gigi Dall'Igna himself said one day that it's worse when an engineer goes to another brand than a rider, except if he's someone who wins everything and therefore will bring success elsewhere. What it feels like to ride is interesting to know, but the numbers are more important. Romano I think has already given some important information."
What kind of work are you expecting in Thailand?
"We will test the new aerodynamic package, especially the fairing that I really liked in Sepang and hope to confirm here. Unfortunately, we don't have many that work like that. We will share the work with others. In Malaysia we did a lot of things, here I think we will also focus on the set-up and preparation for the HP. In January I rode here in Buriram with the CBR and I feel at home. It is also good that since the 2024 race not one whole year has passed, but only a few months. I would like to conclude the winter in the top 7."
