Planned Kalex MotoGP chassis test did not take place, says Honda’s Bradl
Honda’s MotoGP test rider Stefan Bradl says the planned test of the Kalex chassis at Jerez prior to the Americas Grand Prix didn’t happen.
Last month, Autosport reported that Honda was set to debut a new chassis from Kalex in a private test at Jerez which took place earlier this week.
The new chassis was originally meant to make its debut at the post-race Spanish GP test at the end of April, but was then brought forward to the week prior to the Americas GP.
However, test rider Bradl – who is in Austin replacing the injured Marc Marquez this weekend – says he “didn’t have a Kalex chassis” to try at all.
“We have done two days, it was good because we learned some things and there’s been these rumours about the Kalex chassis,” Bradl said in Austin on Thursday.
“To tell you directly, it was not there, I didn’t see any of it. We were working on our normal test schedule, test plan.
“We had new things of course, but I need to be careful.
“This test was private and confidential, even though other manufacturers were there. But all I can say is we didn’t have a Kalex chassis.”
Stefan Bradl, Repsol Honda Team, Marc Marquez, Repsol Honda Team
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Joan Mir, who will return to action in Austin having missed the Argentina GP due to an ankle injury, claims he knows nothing about the new Kalex frame but insists he won’t “trust” one chassis to fix all of the problems he has on the RC213V.
“That chassis, I only heard about because of you [the media],” Mir added.
“I don’t know about it at the moment, I have to speak with the team. I heard about it, but at the moment it’s nothing that’s on the table I think.
“I don’t trust on one chassis that will give me all what I need with acceleration and top speed and everything.
“I think it’s not like that. Any help we get is welcome and very important. I trust a lot on working on the details and not to change the bike completely race by race, because you don’t understand the potential of the bike.”
Honda is yet to comment as to why it did not test the new Kalex chassis at Jerez, and whether it has been brought to Austin.
Oliveira “cleared everything” with Marquez after Portugal MotoGP collision
Bagnaia found “no reasons” for his race-ending Argentina MotoGP crash
Isle of Man TT 2023: Harrison ups the pace at midway point of practice week
Isle of Man TT 2023: Harrison ups the pace at midway point of practice week Isle of Man TT 2023: Harrison ups the pace at midway point of practice week
Miller: 2023 MotoGP title fight “like last year on steroids”
Miller: 2023 MotoGP title fight “like last year on steroids” Miller: 2023 MotoGP title fight “like last year on steroids”
The hockey expansion rule that could benefit Andretti's F1 bid
The hockey expansion rule that could benefit Andretti's F1 bid The hockey expansion rule that could benefit Andretti's F1 bid
Isle of Man TT 2023: Harrison ups the pace at midway point of practice week
Isle of Man TT 2023: Harrison ups the pace at midway point of practice week Isle of Man TT 2023: Harrison ups the pace at midway point of practice week
Hypercar BoP undergoes wholescale revisions for Le Mans
Hypercar BoP undergoes wholescale revisions for Le Mans Hypercar BoP undergoes wholescale revisions for Le Mans
Permane: Alpine F1 challenger is not "a Monaco-special car”
Permane: Alpine F1 challenger is not "a Monaco-special car” Permane: Alpine F1 challenger is not "a Monaco-special car”
Miller: 2023 MotoGP title fight “like last year on steroids”
Miller: 2023 MotoGP title fight “like last year on steroids” Miller: 2023 MotoGP title fight “like last year on steroids”
Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?
Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP? Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?
The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better
The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better
The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form
The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form
How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team
How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team
How one MotoGP team went from title fights to losing it all in four years
How one MotoGP team went from title fights to losing it all in four years How one MotoGP team went from title fights to losing it all in four years
Is MotoGP's comeback king ready to reclaim his throne?
Is MotoGP's comeback king ready to reclaim his throne? Is MotoGP's comeback king ready to reclaim his throne?
How MotoGP’s underachiever is working to reverse its fortunes in 2023
How MotoGP’s underachiever is working to reverse its fortunes in 2023 How MotoGP’s underachiever is working to reverse its fortunes in 2023
How MotoGP riders are preparing for the physical stress of sprint races
How MotoGP riders are preparing for the physical stress of sprint races How MotoGP riders are preparing for the physical stress of sprint races
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.