MOTOGP
MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
ROUND 5/MAY 17, 2015
CIRCUIT BUGATTI/LE MANS, FRANCE
P92
HONDA'S WOES
What ails the Honda? It is now clear
that Marquez's difficult start to the
season is as much down to the failings
of the RC213V as to bad luck and rider
error.
At Jerez tests he had switched to
a new swingarm with revised stiffness
(also given to Crutchlow for the race).
But while he agreed he still had the
speed for single fast laps, he had to
ride so aggressively that it was impos-
sible over race distance.
The problems relate to grip and
balance, and have been highlighted by
improvements by the two main rivals—
Yamaha and Ducati.
"I think the Honda is better this year
than last year, but we have improved
more," said Rossi.
Marquez revealed a major change.
"Compared to last year, I am strug-
gling more. You can see from the lap
times and results," Marquez said. "The
problem is to keep the pace, because
always we have the same problem.
We are working on it, but it looks like
the others have made a step.
"You can see on TV, I am entering
corners like a truck, really sliding. With
the other bike, I created that slide.
Now the problem is the bike creates
that slide, and I am trying to avoid it."
After a struggle to fourth in the
race, he added: "Today I think I fought
more against my bike than my rivals."
With the other three factory Hondas
succumbing to front-end crashes in
the race, plus the absence of Dani
