Despite radically overhauling its bike for over the winter, the start of Honda’s 2024 campaign showed that its gap to leaders hasn’t narrowed over the winter.
In Qatar, LCR’s Johann Zarco was the top RC213V rider at the chequered flag in 12th, with Joan Mir 13th for the factory team and Marini struggling to 20th.
But Honda has already started to make use of its concession benefits this year, with the factory team and Marini testing at Jerez earlier this week.
“It was great just to have a day to enjoy the bike in a different track,” Marini said on Thursday in Portugal.
“Was a really, really good test. I think that we find a base in the bike that works really well in Jerez and I’m hoping that it works also here.
“It will be interesting to see if in a different track everything is good or not.
“But we made good changes on the bike because after Qatar GP we analysed everything during the GP, we understood what went bad and we are trying to fix it.
“I think we are in a good way now. I’m just curious to see how the bike is here, which for Honda historically has been a better track than Qatar.
“So, I’m sure we will be closer to the top riders. But we need to wait till tomorrow.”
Source: Autosport