Honda has managed to supply a MotoGP bike that feels “naturally quick” and “good to trip”, however an absence of grip and peak efficiency is holding it again when it issues probably the most.
That’s the evaluation of HRC’s manufacturing unit rider after what’s been a subdued begin to the Japanese producer’s 2026 marketing campaign.
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Throughout the opening two rounds in Buriram and Goiania, Honda amassed simply 16 factors within the producers’ standings, with a greatest end of ninth place courtesy of .
was on the right track for a stronger outcome on the Brazilian Grand Prix, however crashed out of seventh place after scuffling with sickness for a lot of the weekend.
One-lap tempo has proved to be the largest weak point for the RC213V up to now in 2026, with just one rider qualifying inside the highest 10 in each Thailand and Brazil.
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Marini defined that Honda’s persistent grip points are stopping riders from unlocking the bike’s full potential in qualifying, the place different producers proceed to lift the bar with report lap occasions.
“It is lacking the utmost efficiency,” the Italian conceded. “The bike could be very good to trip. [It gives you] the sensation of a very nice bike that you’re used to using because the starting of your profession.
“I can’t let you know particularly how a lot better this factor is, however if you bounce over the bike, you’re feeling naturally quick and every little thing is working effectively.
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“However then, when that you must be on the lap-record [pace], it is troublesome due to the dearth of grip. We at all times complain about some aero that does not assist us to show sufficient. There are a few issues which are at all times the identical. We’re enhancing it, however we’d like extra time.”
Luca Marini, Honda HRC
Luca Marini, Honda HRC
Marini expects Honda’s aggressive stage to stay largely unchanged at this weekend’s Americas Grand Prix in Austin.
Whereas the Tokyo-based producer will convey new components to the observe in Texas, Marini feels Honda should roll out greater enhancements to shut the hole with its rivals.
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“I feel it will likely be the identical,” he stated. “In case you begin within the entrance, then you definitely might be in sixth place; if you happen to begin within the again, tenth. That is the truth in the mean time, and the circuit doesn’t matter.
“We nonetheless must make good enhancements on the bike. We may have one thing right here and it is optimistic as a result of the event remains to be pushing, and we belief the final yr of 1,000cc [bikes] quite a bit.
“We’ll attempt to do our greatest to enhance the bike by the season, however that is simply step one. I feel we’ll want one thing extra within the Jerez take a look at, for instance.”
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