HRC’s Marc Marquez was seen aboard an all-new RC213V at Misano on Tuesday, completing the opening day of MotoGP testing 15th with a 1’32.448 lap.
While Marquez failed to acknowledge the upgraded machinery as the 2022 Repsol Honda, exactly, the Spaniard was ‘interested’ with progress made after 47 laps.
“Today we try a new bike,” Marquez confirmed. “We don’t know if it’s 2022 bike but it’s a new bike, is a new concept and was interesting.
“Was the first time on track, so a lot of job to do and a lot of time in the box, not many laps, trying big things but the first time, somebody needs to start to try the things and I was the rider. Tomorrow also Pol will help on that direction and he will work also on that bike. Basically, happy about the day because we try a new bike but still a lot of job to do.”
The new Honda’s modernised appearance showcased a refined front air intake, exhaust and tail unit.
“Was a big step in both directions,” he continued remaining guarded. “In some areas in a really good direction and in some areas missing a lot but it’s true that we need to understand the bike balance, we need to understand the set-up, we need to understand many things because is many new parts, is not only a small thing, is a big thing. And still just we did a few laps also, you need to take care, to stay on the bike because it’s only one piece of bike and then it’s important to ride and keep going.
“I cannot say where I feel the biggest improvement. Our weak point this year has been the exit of corner, the grip and acceleration and is there where we are working to try to improve. In some areas, I feel a step forward, in some areas I feel weak points also, because it’s impossible to have the perfect bike,” he concluded.