Repsol Honda: Learning at your favorite track / MotoGP

Thanks to the long-term unbeatable combination of competitive technology and the excellent tamer of the RC213V – “MM93” – Repsol Honda is the team with the most impressive American statistics. The last race in Austin also showed that the streak of success at the amazing race in Texas cannot be attributed only to Marc Márquez. Although both Repsol factory machines went off the track, Alex Rins, the winged Honda rider, took the win.

History is a blessing and a curse. Clearly, the RC213V has more advantages than disadvantages on the nearly 5.6km track, which has been criticized in recent years for its rough bumps. After a major change of technical stimulus during the winter season of 2023/24, the current efficiency of Honda machines cannot be clearly evaluated. One thing is certain: Honda will not cut back and send four drivers to the track with “Alex Rins 2023 instructions”.

In addition, the face of the race center is in a different state again this year. The “Circuit of the Americas” segments were supposed to be re-aired before the Grand Prix. For all teams, the first training sessions the day after tomorrow will provide a fresh assessment of where things stand. Honda, the manufacturer with the most wins in Austin, can only work forward from a sporting perspective.
The Grand Prix will be a special event for HRC newcomer Luca Marini. No other way will remind Italians more than the great delta between celebration and defeat. 12 months ago Marini took his first MotoGP podium in Texas; Today he travels from the no man’s land of sports. His brief statement reflects the strong emotions of last year’s US tour: “Austin has a special place in my heart and I have great memories of 2023. It’s a very special track and you’ve seen Honda have had some success there in the past.”

Reflecting on the great work still to be done, Marini added: “We are coming to a different situation this year, but I still believe that we can make more progress in America. Regardless of the path, our direction and mission remains the same as we continue to build this project.

His colleague Joan Mir has not yet been invited to the award ceremony in Texas. In 2022, however, he narrowly missed the podium after a fight against Jack Miller. In 2023, one of the 24 exits that gave the Spaniard the title of runner-up in the fall championship behind his teammate. Shortly before the start of the third date of the race, Mir said: “It’s always good to go to America. We only see the fans there once a year, so it’s important to put on a good show. COTA is one of the unique routes on the calendar and the first sector in particular is very special. Much of the track has been resurfaced since we were last here, so I’m looking forward to seeing how these changes affect the track.”

A realistic view of the state of the Repsol-Honda factory team: The next Doctor could go best for Joan Mir, and worst for pit neighbor Luca Marini.