Ducati say Honda still the benchmark
Ducati's technical director Filippo Preziosi says Honda are still the benchmark in MotoGP, despite the Japanese manufacturer's struggles this season
Honda are yet to win a race this year after their RC211V bike has not proved competitive enough to beat Ducati's GP7 or Valentino Rossi's Yamaha.
Ducati have scored three wins in five races thanks to Australian rider Casey Stoner, while Yamaha and Suzuki have also savoured victory this year.
Preziosi, however, reckons Honda remain the benchmark in the category, and claims his team have some way to go before being considered as favourites.
"I carry on thinking the current world championship standings are a combination of a string of lucky results," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "The technical benchmark keeps being Honda, and the driver Rossi. We deserve being in the lead, but we look ahead.
"Barcelona will be the acid test: last year, accident apart, we were having great difficulties with the tyres. If we pass that exam then we'll really be able to fight all the way."
Stoner leads Rossi by 21 points ahead of this weekend's race in Italy.
Share Or Save This Story
Alex Zanardi open to Daytona 24 Hours or Indianapolis 500 bid
Giacomo Agostini says Rossi and Lorenzo will renew hostilities
Working Men: Interview with Ferrari's Test Drivers
MotoGP 'absolutely wants' to introduce F1-style budget cap
MotoGP prepared to move Qatar GP to another venue
Hamilton, Toyota, Marquez: Three motorsport giants still writing history
Plenty of Owens family success during entertaining Brands Hatch Mini Festival
Could qualifying resolve the WRC’s 2027 road order conundrum?
How Morgan soared amid off-track team unrest
Mercedes "hasn't got the money" to keep up with rival teams' F1 upgrades
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments