Zarco’s Performance Sparks Hope for Repsol Honda Team Amidst Indonesian GP Challenges

Joan Mir and Luca Marini are encouraged by Zarco's showing

"We're seeing our motorcycle become increasingly competitive"

Luca Marini and Joan Mir, teammates from Repsol Honda, had their aspirations for success at the Indonesian MotoGP dashed shortly after the race began on Sunday, with their chances crumbling within the initial few corners.

Marini found himself immediately out of the race following a collision involving four riders, which began when Jack Miller's KTM slid out from under him.

Marini described the situation as simply unfortunate. He remarked on the odd nature of the race, noting that only 12 competitors completed it, which made scoring points less challenging. However, due to his motorcycle being severely damaged, he found it unfeasible to continue competing.

Mir veered off the course to avoid the downed bikes and competitors, ending up at the back of the pack before suffering a crash on the 13th lap.

"He mentioned, “I finished behind by three seconds. Warming up the tires initially was challenging due to their stiffness here. After catching up and passing Rins, I began clocking ‘31 lows and then lost grip on the front in the first turn.

"Over the weekend, I couldn't quite get comfortable with the bike. I found myself facing difficulties in various aspects. Hence, we need to figure things out, start afresh, and head to Motegi, which is comparatively a more 'standard' circuit, to assess our standing."

Despite the Repsol team failing to secure any points in Sunday's race, Johann Zarco of LCR managed to achieve Honda's highest finish this season by placing ninth (starting from the seventh position on the grid), ending the race 15.5 seconds behind the winner after completing 27 laps.

To give perspective on that gap, it would have positioned Zarco just slightly behind Maverick Vinales in the battle for sixth place during the earlier Emilia Romagna race.

"At Misano, I had the upper hand, but this time it was Johann who excelled," Mir commented. "He really stepped up with the team. They collaborated effectively and tackled the current issues we're facing with the motorcycle. Taka [Nakagami, who finished 11th] also showed good speed. So, we're hopeful that by the time we get to Motegi, we'll have everything sorted out and can increase our pace."

Marini identified Zarco's performance as the standout highlight of the race.

"The Italian remarked, "The performance of our motorcycle is improving, especially when we look at Johann's results, which are promising. The difference in his timing compared to the leader's is quite encouraging. It's unfortunate about my own outcome, but in terms of the bike's progress, we're at an exciting point and should feel content with this. We just need to put in more effort for the upcoming race."

This upcoming weekend at Motegi marks Marini's inaugural race as an RC213V rider, with the event being Honda's home race.

He expressed his excitement about competing in Japan as a member of the HRC team, stating, "It's a remarkable country, and having the opportunity to be there with this motorcycle and in these hues is a dream for many. I aim to relish the entire weekend."

"Undoubtedly, the most thrilling experience is on the circuit, and I'm confident we can regain our top form like we did in Misano and Indonesia, prior to Sunday's accident."

Mir, who finished twelfth in the previous year's rain-affected Japanese MotoGP, mentioned, “Being a part of the Honda team makes Motegi an extraordinary place, something I truly felt last year. It’s an event that always excites me, and I’m eager to deliver a performance that will make all the Honda supporters proud.”

Zarco leads the pack among Honda competitors in the global championship rankings, holding the 17th spot with a total of 31 points. Following him, Nakagami is positioned 18th with 25 points, Mir is in 20th place gathering 20 points, and Marini ranks 24th with 5 points.

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