Joan Mir delivered an impressive performance on the second day of testing in Valencia, setting the fastest lap with a time of 1’56”874, signaling significant progress for Honda after years of challenges. This encouraging time reflects not only the strides made by the Japanese manufacturer but also suggests a bright outlook as the team approaches upcoming competitions, including the Buriram race in Thailand.
The upbeat mood in Honda’s garage matches their on-track improvement, though the team remains grounded given that their competitors continue pushing forward.
“If Ducati takes one step forward, we have to take three,”
Mir acknowledged, highlighting the competitive intensity that lies ahead. Luca Marini echoed a similar perspective, anticipating a fierce battle but feeling optimistic about the direction Honda is heading.
Mir Focuses on Building Confidence and Bike Adaptations
After returning to form with a strong lap, Mir expressed satisfaction with the gains made during testing.
“I’m happy with this morning’s times, they were competitive, and I managed to push for a good lap. My confidence with the bike is improving, and when you put on new tyres, that translates into a good time attack,”
he said. Throughout the session, Mir worked on fine-tuning the bike to suit his riding style, trying different setups to complete the puzzle that will maximize his performance.
Looking ahead to Thailand, Mir feels that the underlying platform is solid, though he recognizes there is still room for refinement, especially with used tyres.
“Yes, the times show that the base is good, but it’s clear that there is still room for improvement. In the time attack, I feel good on the bike, although with the used tyres there is still work to be done to refine it and find some margin,”
he explained. Despite the complexities of testing, especially with weather disruptions, he remains hopeful about maintaining momentum into the next phase.
Engine and Aerodynamics Developments Underway
Two critical areas under evaluation are the engine configuration and aerodynamic package. Mir described the current engine setup as an improvement over previous versions, offering more power and greater comfort. However, he noted that aerodynamic components remain carried over from last year, with updates expected soon.
“The current engine configuration is excellent, it has a bit more power than we had before, and I feel comfortable with it. As for the aerodynamics, we are still using last year’s, and we are waiting for updates, even though we will try a few things tomorrow, but it won’t be the final specification. I hope to see it for the Buriram tests,”
Mir detailed.
Mir Acknowledges the Challenge Posed by Ducati and Rivals
Mir is cautious about where Honda stands compared to its adversaries, especially Ducati, a team known for their speed and consistency.
“I don’t have a clear idea yet, but my comments usually coincide with Marini’s. I think from what I’ve seen, we’ve made some good progress. Ducati has also done so; when they want to be, they are fast, and that’s the current reality. We have some ideas for tomorrow, but we’ll also see something in Thailand. Confidence is returning, but if they take one step forward, we have to take three, so we’ll probably take one and hope to take another,”
Mir said.
Luca Marini Reflects on Honda’s Momentum and Upcoming Challenges
Luca Marini expressed satisfaction with Honda’s recent testing outcomes while maintaining perspective on the strong competition they face.
“Joan did an incredible lap, he was very good, he was the first to break 1’56, now let’s see where the others will set the bar. I think tomorrow morning will be like qualifying, considering that we saved some tyres in the afternoon,”
Marini remarked, emphasizing the competitive nature of the next testing day.
He also addressed Honda’s historical struggles with fast lap times, stating that significant improvements have been made since last season.
“Yes, we’re getting closer, and the bike has improved a lot since the end of last season. Joan has improved a lot, especially in braking, and he managed to do some good qualifying sessions. That’s what I started working on myself since the Valencia tests, to improve the feeling in braking, and I have to say I have a very good feeling. Let’s see tomorrow morning where we can get with the soft tyres, even if other problems will come up, as happens when you go faster. But all the improvements have been positive, and in the garage, we are all positive and happy, and communication with the Japanese is excellent,”
Marini explained.
Focus Areas for Marini and Honda During Testing
During the second day of testing, Marini concentrated his efforts on addressing vibrations in specific track sections and testing new components.
“In the morning, we focused on the new components program, we divided up the work, and I concentrated on the vibrations, because here it’s easy to have them at turns 5 and 12, and I think we’ve found something that could help us. Even though we still need more data, we’re heading in the right direction,”
he said.
He also highlighted the improved braking feel as a key positive from the sessions so far.
“The braking feel has improved. Tomorrow we’ll see what kind of simulation to do, whether sprint or long race. Today, at the end of the afternoon, we rested,”
Marini added, signaling readiness to tackle the next phase with renewed confidence.
Honda’s Growing Prospects in the Face of Strong Competition
Joan Mir and Luca Marini’s recent performances demonstrate that Honda is closing the gap on their main rivals, including Ducati, as the next racing events approach. The team’s technical adjustments to engine power, aerodynamics, and braking provide a foundation for continued advancement. While challenges remain, particularly in matching the consistent speed of top competitors, the morale within Honda’s garage is high, fueling optimism.
This progress sets the stage for an intense contest in upcoming tests and races, especially at Buriram, where fresh aerodynamic packages are expected to arrive. If Honda maintains this upward trajectory, it could reshape the balance at the front of the grid, demanding even greater responses from their rivals. The team’s resilience and determination show that they are prepared to meet these challenges head-on.
