MotoGP: 'Honda Never Quits', Says HRC President Yasuharu Watanabe Amid Japanese Exit Rumour

Honda is currently going through its lowest point in MotoGP in terms of performance and competitiveness, and there is no sign of this trend improving anytime soon. Marc Márquez along with other Honda riders are struggling to get RC213V to its typical performance level. Aside from Alex Rins' (LCR Honda) victory in the GP of the Americas, 2023 has been a rather uneventful year for race winners. Speculations about a potential departure from the top class, in the event that the present conditions fail to improve, have already been propagated. Nevertheless, Yashuharu Watanabe, president of HRC, does not see this as an option. During an interview conducted by a Japanese website, the executive of the Honda Racing Corporation was questioned on the previously mentioned rumours. In response, the executive explicitly refuted the claims and said that Honda has no intentions of withdrawing from MotoGP.

Also Raed: MotoGP: Marc Marquez 'Best Rider on the Grid', Says Honda Teammate Joan Mir

MotoGP: HRC President's Remarks

Watanabe stated that four-wheel engineers are contributing to the MotoGP project and told the website he is optimistic about the progress being made in the partnership between the two-wheel and four-wheel categories. According to Watanabe, the lack of progress in MotoGP poses a significant concern for Honda/HRC. As a result, they have resolved to restore their prowess by implementing a comprehensive HRC-based framework.

As for the 2024 MotoGP machine, Watanabe indicated that development is moving quickly, but there are still many questions to be answered. The HRC is compelled to develop high-performance motorcycles and machinery with the objective of achieving victory. Additionally, he said that on each occasion he visits the MotoGP paddock, he consistently engages in extensive conversations with Marc. The speaker further said that it is imperative for HRC to construct and deliver the equipment that Marc desires, and they are committed to expediting this process. 

Also Read: MotoGP: Marc Marquez 'Best Rider on the Grid', Says Honda Teammate Joan Mir

MotoGP: Honda’s Recent Downfall 

Between 2011 and 2019, Casey Stoner and later Marc Marquez helped HRC win seven of the nine MotoGP championships. However, Honda's race triumphs have been limited to just four since Marquez sustained an arm injury at Jerez in 2020, and the team failed to secure a single victory for the whole of the previous season. There is presently no Honda rider in the top 13 of the world championship due to injuries sustained by Marquez, COTA winner Alex Rins, and Joan Mir in the first part of this season. 

Despite making steady improvements throughout the course of the weekend, the Repsol Honda Team failed to secure any acclaim at the conclusion of the British Grand Prix. Rain that poured in the hours leading up to the start of the 20-lap race almost caused organisers to call off the event. Several riders were compelled to enter the pit towards the conclusion of the race as a result of inclement weather conditions. Joan Mir made a comeback to competitive racing on Sunday, participating in a demanding event. His shaky start caused him to fall behind the rest of the group. Joan Mir attempted to catch up, but on the third lap, he suffered a small crash.

As far as constructors' standings go, Honda is just ahead of Yamaha and far behind Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia. There have been frequent whispers that Honda ace rider Marquez may leave at the conclusion of his current contract because of these difficulties.

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