Johann Zarco praised Honda’s new carbon fibre swingarm after testing the prototype component during Monday’s MotoGP session at Aragon. The French rider shared his feedback on the part, which aimed to improve bike performance ahead of upcoming races, underscoring its positive effects on acceleration and braking.
Development and Previous Trials of the Carbon Fibre Swingarm
Aleix Espargaro, the HRC test rider involved in the swingarm’s development, played a key role in refining the technology behind closed doors. The composite part had an initial race debut during a wild-card appearance at the Silverstone round, signaling readiness for broader implementation among race riders. Zarco and Joan Mir were given the opportunity to evaluate the swingarm in the official MotoGP test following these preliminary trials.
Zarco’s Detailed Feedback on Performance Gains
Although Zarco was 17th fastest in the test and did not focus on lap times, he emphasized the main aim: assessing new components.
“The biggest thing we have tried is the carbon swingarm, which was very interesting. We got a better performance with it. Now we will have to wait a bit to get it on the bike [in a race weekend],”
Zarco explained.
After a challenging race weekend, he conveyed satisfaction with the swingarm’s impact:
“Yeah, for example this swingarm… ‘wow’, that was the thing working the best. So I’m happy that this big part of the bike, where sometimes the comments of the rider is not huge, for me it was nice. So this was good.”
Zarco further noted,
“We gained a lot in acceleration, but also on the braking, we have better control of the rear grip. Immediately, the lap time was better.”
The biggest hurdle remains production capacity; the swingarm availability is limited, pushing its introduction likely to overseas rounds.
“I think it will be for the overseas races. So I need to wait a bit,”
said Zarco about the timeline.
Additional Honda Technical Developments Underway
Beyond the swingarm, Zarco indicated Honda is working on other subtle but promising RC213V upgrades. These enhancements, previously tested in Jerez, are highly technical and less apparent but could offer a competitive edge in the coming season.
He remarked,
“It’s something that Honda is developing which I think can open some new doors that I hope will give us advantage for next year.”
Looking Forward: What This Means for MotoGP Seasons Ahead
Honda’s breakthroughs with the carbon fibre swingarm suggest notable progress in MotoGP bike performance, especially in acceleration and braking control, essential for race competitiveness. As Zarco and other riders gain more test time with these components, Honda could strengthen its position in upcoming races, especially once production catches up. This innovation may shape the technical landscape of MotoGP in the near future, potentially influencing both rider feedback and race outcomes.
