Can Zarco return to form after Misano test innovations?

Honda focused on aerodynamics in Monday’s Misano test, with LCR rider Johann Zarco appearing on track in the morning session with a new carbon fibre fairing.

The main addition was the new inlet, which is easily recognisable because it is made from ‘rapid-prototyping material’ and is therefore white in colour. The assumption is that the airflow has been increased, although its dimensions are quite different from Ducati’s, which is considerably larger.

On the upper part of the fairing, the hot-air outlet has been enlarged to improve the release of the heat generated by the radiators and the engine. At last weekend’s grand prix in Misano, Zarco ran the vertical winglets beside the seat, but in the test, HRC rider Luca Marini used a biplane version, the result of a solution first developed by Aprilia.

Not immediately obvious but also interesting was the ‘spoon’ in front of the rear wheel. Until now, it had fairly squared shapes, whereas a much more rounded version has now been tested. This demonstrates careful analysis of how the air flows under the fairing, an area where the air passages are being carefully optimised.

Zarco gives thumbs up to new updates

The timing of the test was also crucial for Zarco, who has scored just three points across the last three race weekends.

While the French Grand Prix winner has received some updates in the last few weeks, he hadn’t been on the same bike with which factory riders Marini and Joan Mir had been enjoying a resurgence of late.

Johann Zarco, Team LCR Honda

Photo by: Mirco Lazzari GP - Getty Images

At Misano, Zarco qualified a season-worst 19th, but could immediately notice a major difference on the updated RC213V in the test as he tried a new chassis, swingarm and aero appendages on the rear and sides of the bike.

“We can see already that our [existing] package was not so bad because we were improving during the year,” he said.

“But now the new items Honda is bringing help to take another step, having even more feeling on the bike, finding more confidence, and being faster. So, I'm quite happy about this. 

“We will try to have the best package possible in Motegi to give us the chance to do a great result. But I really believe that with all the new things combined together, if we understand it and we can use the full potential, we will be fast.”

He added: “The feedback on the bike is nice and, overall what the most positive [thing] is that after a full weekend under pressure, under stress and lack of enjoyment, now every lap I could stay calm on the bike and get pleasure again.

“This was the most important thing because now we will go for four races, and I didn't want to go into Japan thinking that I will struggle on the bike. It's better to go to Japan thinking that I can perform.”