As per my post yesterday, Honda stayed on at Jerez and did a second day f testing on their 2012 machine. They’ve now released a short video with some on-track footage and a couple of interviews. Here it is.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRa4WonNfA8&feature=player_embedded#at=58[/youtube]
A couple of things to note from the clip.
1. Apart from letting us hear the delicious, low frequency burble of the bike as it exits pit lane (so much nicer than the high-pitched scream of the 800’s) Honda have chosen not to let us hear the bike up in the rev range. In a similar fashion as Ducati did when they released their GP12 video, even allowing the opposition to hear the engine at work could, potentially, give away some technical detail and so erode your advantage, so, no noise at this stage. 🙁
2. It is funny to hear Casey talk about how the 800 “runs out of power” Amazing, isn’t it? It’s all relative, I guess. What, 245bhp isn’t enough for you, Casey?
3. I wonder if Honda will make the final iteration of the bike LOOK different, because, apart from them telling us this is a 1000cc bike it could easily be a current machine. I guess with limitations of design, aerodynamics, etc, making it stand out from its predecessors is going to be difficult, but, wouldn’t it be nice of the bike did end up looking completely different to the present machine?
4. In terms of on-track, the bike certainly seems to be “flickable” and looks very stable on the change of direction. One thing Honda do appear to have completely sorted right now is suspension. Last year the M1 was regarded as the best-handling GP bike, but it looks like Honda have snatched that title this year.
Other MotoGp news. The first “cull” of potential entrants into the class next year has taken place with 11 of the 16 teams who signs EOI’s having been accepted for the next phase of the process. By the Catalunya round in 2 weeks’ time, those interested teams will be expected to lodge a 30000 Euro deposit to be allowed to go onto the next stage. Rumours around are suggesting that some of the 11 teams are already expressing doubt as to whether they will proceed due to financial constraints. In an interview with Channel 10 on the weekend, Jeremy Burgess, when asked what he thought of the “claiming rule” idea, said, amidst sniggers and grins, “No, not at all. It’s sort of a harebrained scheme to try and put more bikes on the grid. I can’t see anyone wanting to spend anywhere near that sort of money to finish sixteenth.” Typical no BS from JB.
Finally, I often find pretty funny things on the Interzweb, and this turned up this morning, enjoy
gearsau says
Phil,
Actually, the REPSOL HONDA is probably one of the best looking MotoGP bikes out there. I have only been to two MotoGP races in the past 11 years, and it was interesting to see that I had the most success when photographing those bikes. Maybe its the colours, but, even though I try to photograph every bike ( there aren’t that many), the best shots seem to be of the HONDAS…
I don’t seem to get successful shots of really dark coloured bikes , like the TECH 3 YAMAHAS.
Strange , isnt it?
All the best .
Phil Hall says
I agree, Peter, a very successful colour scheme. I wasn’t actually meaning the colours though. I was talking more about the bike’s appearance, lines, etc. On the video it looked just like an 800. I do hope Honda takes the opportunity to branch out and make the bike more distinctive in appearance.
gearsau says
Phil
I understand… Years ago, I didnt like the REPSOL colours, but, they seem to have improved them over the years.
I know what you mean about the all the bikes appearance….. Somehow, we seem to be stuck with all these pointy angled bikes with tiny tails on them.
I was looking at a recent AMCN , and it had a feature on the new CAGIVA . I think they must buy the fairings from the same place as Ducati…. both look identical side on.
Speaking of AMCN, I think it should be renamed DUCATI Motor Cycle News….. Man, lately, its seems to be an outlet for anything on Rossi and their problems . So funny when you read it.
A few months ago, all the problems were solved . I dont think Rossi will be finishing the 800cc MotoGP formula with the most number of wins .
All the best
Phil Hall says
Yeah, I know, everything is sacrificed to the great god of aerodynamics. And, we end up with a collection of bikes that all look the same – ugly. The same thing has happened in every area, I guess. I mean today’s F1 cars are the most hideously ugly things with 4 wheels, I reckon. Give me the Lotus 72 or the 1967 Eagle Weslake that Dan Gurney built. Arguably the most beautiful racing car the ever to hit the track in my opinion.