Repsol Honda Duo Shine Bright in Mandalika as Upgrades Prove Effective

The Repsol Honda Team arrived in Indonesia with a renewed sense of optimism, as the positive momentum from their recent performance in Misano carried over to the Mandalika circuit. Both Luca Marini and Joan Mir were quick to adapt to the new track conditions, showcasing the effectiveness of the upgrades they had received. With a focus on continuous improvement, the team is poised to make a strong push for success in the upcoming Sprint race and the main event.

Repsol Honda Duo Primed for Success in Mandalika

Luca Marini Finds Comfort in Honda's Upgrades

Luca Marini's day started on a high note, as he was able to post competitive times throughout the opening session. The Italian rider's ninth-place finish in the morning session was a respectable result, with the gap to his teammate, Joan Mir, being a mere 0.3 seconds. This performance set the tone for the rest of the day, as Marini continued to improve his speed in the afternoon.Marini's best Friday performance of the year saw him end the day in 12th overall, just half a second off the pace-setting time and less than a tenth of a second from the combined top ten. While he was initially frustrated to miss out on a direct trip to Q2 by such a narrow margin, Marini remained positive and pleased with the ever-improving feel of his Honda RC213V. The objective for Saturday is to build on this momentum and once again battle for a spot in Q2, starting further up the grid and carrying that momentum into the Sprint race.The work done by Marini and the Repsol Honda team during the Emilia Romagna weekend has clearly paid dividends, as the upgrades from Misano have proven to be effective on the Mandalika circuit as well. Marini's comments reflect his satisfaction with the progress made, stating, "It's clear we have made a step as we were less than a tenth from the top ten. We keep working for even more tomorrow, it's satisfying to see us make this step after our work in the first half of the year."

Joan Mir Confident in Honda's Direction

For Joan Mir, the Mandalika circuit presented a different set of challenges, particularly in terms of grip, compared to the Misano track. However, the Spaniard was pleased to find that the upgrades they had received were also working well on this new circuit, proving that the team is heading in the right direction.Mir felt quite good, especially with the medium tire and over longer runs, but he was unable to put together a perfect lap to close the gap to the leaders. The vibrations that had been an issue in Misano were still present, but Mir expressed confidence that the team can improve on this aspect."Everything we had from the Misano Test is also working here which is a very different kind of track, especially in terms of grip. This is a positive because it proves we are going in the correct direction and now we can keep it as our base," Mir said. "I felt quite good, especially with the medium and over longer rungs. We couldn't quite put together a perfect lap to close the distance to the others as we have some vibrations as in Misano, but I am confident we can improve this."Mir's positive outlook and the team's ability to adapt the upgrades to the Mandalika circuit bode well for the upcoming Sprint race and the main event. With the vibration issues being the primary focus for improvement, the Repsol Honda duo is poised to make a strong push for better results in the remainder of the weekend.

Repsol Honda Duo Primed for Sizzling Weekend in Mandalika

The Repsol Honda Team's performance on the opening day of the Indonesian Grand Prix has set the stage for an exciting weekend ahead. Both Luca Marini and Joan Mir have shown promising signs, with the upgrades from Misano proving to be effective on the Mandalika circuit as well.Marini's impressive pace, finishing just a tenth of a second off the combined top ten, has given the team a solid foundation to build upon. The Italian rider's confidence in the Honda RC213V's improvements and his desire to continue pushing for even better results are palpable.On the other hand, Mir's ability to adapt to the different track conditions and his positive feedback on the team's progress have instilled a sense of optimism within the Repsol Honda garage. The vibration issues that have plagued the team in the past remain a focus, but Mir's determination to overcome these challenges is evident.With the 13-lap Sprint race scheduled for Saturday and the main event on Sunday, the Repsol Honda duo is primed to capitalize on the momentum they have built up. The baking hot conditions predicted for the remainder of the weekend will only add to the intensity of the competition, but the team's resilience and adaptability have proven to be their strengths.As the Indonesian Grand Prix weekend unfolds, the Repsol Honda Team's performance will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike. With the upgrades proving effective and the riders' confidence on the rise, the stage is set for the Repsol Honda duo to shine brightly in Mandalika and make a strong push for success.