Honda’s MotoGP machine has been radically revised for 2022: Honda confirms one rider in particular will benefit from the changes
With the change to the 2022 version of the Honda RC213V, HRC has taken the biggest development step since the introduction of the 1,000cc class in the 2012 MotoGP season. After two mixed years, the world’s biggest motorbike manufacturer is making a fresh start.
The new RC213V has been redesigned from the ground up. The concept of the V4 engine has remained. But the chassis and aerodynamics are completely different from the previous model.
“It is a radical change. But it was also necessary,” notes Honda’s MotoGP project manager Takeo Yokoyama at ‘ and explains: “In the past two years, we had problems with the grip on the rear wheel. That was the main focus. We have made progress. “
The Repsol Honda team, used to success, is risking a new start
Earlier in the 2020 season, Honda struggled with the RC213V. The aggressive handling caused difficulties for the Honda riders. Marc Marquez’s injury and the resulting forced break of the exceptional rider mercilessly exposed the Honda’s deficits. No victory and fifth place in the manufacturers’ standings were a landslide relegation after four world championship titles in a row.
The previous year, Honda had to continue with the 2020 engine because development was frozen due to the coronavirus pandemic. Honda had time to make a big move for 2022. “We decided to start from scratch with the engine. We built the new bike around the new engine,” Takeo Yokoyama explained.
The 2022 bike still has a lot of untapped potential
The prototype for 2022 was already being tested at the end of 2021. Tests in Sepang and Mandalika followed after the turn of the year. “The five days of testing were not enough to develop the bike. I would say that we are in the middle of development and still need to figure out how to best use this year’s bike,” commented the Honda manager.
The races so far have shown that Pol Espargaro is clearly stronger than last year. Teammate Marc Marquez did not find the transition to the 2022 Honda so easy. “I think all the riders, Marc, Pol, Alex (Marquez), Taka (Nakagami) and also Stefan (Bradl) appreciate the extra grip on the rear wheel. But Pol probably benefits more from this change,” Takeo Yokoyama notes.
“Already in the winter tests he was very well prepared mentally and also physically. From the first test of the winter tests, he drove very determinedly. He knew exactly what to do. He also understood the team’s way of working better,” the HRC manager clarifies.
With the change to the 2022 bike, however, Honda had to sacrifice some of the old machine’s strengths. “The riders have to adapt to how they can best use the bike. Our riders had adapted their riding styles to the Honda. Now they are facing a new adventure. We realise that time is needed for the adjustment. We must not disturb them in their adjustment,” said the Honda MotoGP project manager.
