Eight-time world champion Markess, who withdrew from the MotoGP season after the Mujello stage for Sunday to perform further arm surgery, had evaluated the new parts to try to address the difficulty of turning and sensitivity to RCV temperatures.
During Marx’s absence, Espargaro wanted to inherit Barcelona’s latest achievements, but he will continue with his standard car.
“Mark’s bike will go to Taku this weekend. So my goal is to continue with the current bike that I had. [since] Qatar and try to be as fast as possible, “said Espargaro.” As for the development of the bicycle, I will not worry about it. [that] this weekend. Monday [test] I do not know. »
Espargaro, who won Honda’s only podium to date at Qatar’s inauguration, confirmed that it had requested a Marx motorcycle and was “100 percent” ready to try out the new parts.
“I like to try new things on the bike,” he explained. “There is only one way to improve the situation by trying new things to improve the bike and improve performance.
“If you don’t try anything, you won’t improve. That’s pretty clear, but you know, even that way, I’ll keep pushing as usual, and we’ll see if anything changes this weekend and we can be faster.
“Of course, I demanded the best things, new things and the latest developments in the bike. But I am not the one who chooses whether or not I will. I’m a guy who gets paid to ride a bike and be as fast as possible, and that’s what I’m going to try to do this weekend. »
Nakagami: As in 2020, Honda supports us more
Nakagami did not talk about a specific new material, but confirmed that he will have additional support from the HRC this weekend, similar to 2020, when Markess initially broke his right hand.
“It simply came to our notice then [like] Honda is trying to support us more. I think more people will come [to LCR] during the session or on the weekend, “said Nakagami.” So it looks like the 2020 style.
“I have yet to talk, but it seems that they want to help us. About the development and the result. So we are positive. Of course, I still have a lot to understand about what the HRC thinks, but we will see it tomorrow or in this weekend.
“But, of course, more help makes it easier for us. Because we’re a satellite team, not a factory team. So even one or two extra people help a lot. So I hope all is well.
“My hopes this weekend are to continue to develop or improve the motorcycle. And hopefully we’ll be able to fight for the podium or at least the top 5 or top 6.”
The Japanese, who enjoyed additional support from HRC in 2020 with two fourth-best positions in the career, a pole position and three other starts in the first row, added:
“It simply came to our notice then [in Barcelona] is tire management because the difference between the fastest lap of a race and the fastest lap of a race… [slowest] is huge.
“So we need to develop an electronic side to ensure greater consistency. But it looks like there will be more electronic guys in our box to help us with that.
“Then there are the heat conditions, because, to be honest, the heat conditions for our motorcycle in the last race are really difficult.
“The cool conditions are quite good, but then in hot conditions the feeling of the bike is completely different. No rear grip, it’s very bad.
“It was really confusing for the riders, because the same motorcycle, but different feelings. That is why we need to develop this kind of thing and hope to be competitive in the morning and afternoon sessions. »
Mark Marks is still the only driver with a Honda MotoGP contract for 2023, and Nakagami hopes to hear a decision on his future by the end of the month.
“As soon as possible. I want to know, maybe here or later at the Sachsenring or Assen,” he said.
Espargaro and Nakagami currently rank 12th and 13th in the overall standings, with only two points.
Nakagami is facing pressure from compatriot and Moto2 race winner Ai Ogura, while Espargaro is due to return to KTM and Joan Miru HRC could be hired after Suzuki’s unexpected departure.
Stefan Bradl: “Some test elements this weekend.”
Meanwhile, HRC test driver Stefan Bradl has been asked to replace Marche until he is ready to return.
“I’m going shopping. I don’t know how much, it depends on March’s situation. I have no idea and we’ll see what happens,” said the German. and better, every race.
“I also plan to take part in races and tests, I have already done so in 2020, so it will be an active summer. I am glad that Honda gives me the confidence to do all this work.
“The bike doesn’t have the potential we want, so there’s a lot of work going on. Without March, it’s even harder. Let’s do our best and see how far we can go.
“I’ll take Mark’s bike, but with minor adjustments, trying out some of the details we tested with the test team 2 and a half weeks ago in Heres. So we will resume the elements that have already been tested over the race weekend.
“It’s a good opportunity to spend the race weekend and then test on Monday, where we will also have more new details to try. »
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