MOTOGP: Honda struggling with electronics

Honda is still struggling to get to grips with MotoGP's new control electronics for 2016 at its final test of the year at Jerez.

Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa kicked off a three-day test at the Spanish track on Wednesday, with Marquez undertaking the bulk of the 2016 work as Pedrosa settled in at a track he has not ridden on since 2014.

Several riders struggled to adapt to the 2016-spec electronics at the post-season test following the Valencia finale recently, and Marquez revealed Honda still has a lot of work to do.

MotoGP

electronics 'a step backwards'

"We did a few laps to understand a few things and we tried the new engine too which felt similar to Valencia," said Marquez. "But we must complete more laps to get the electronics working better, as it's hard to understand the true character until we have that fixed.

"The electronics are still not consistent – we have made progress, but it's clear they are certainly a step behind the Honda software we are used to. But we know it won't be the same so we must find a way to work with it, especially concerning the engine brake and traction control."

Pedrosa, who missed the 2015 Jerez race while he was out of action recovering from arm surgery, suffered a crash at the last corner late in the day.

"It's been a good first day, despite the crash at the end where I was a little strong on the braking and lost the front in the last corner," he said. "I was a little slower today as I've not ridden here since the 2014 race, so I took my time to adjust to the Michelin tires and this bike at this track.

"I was comparing the different engines but also working on settings as I had no data from the race this year. Today was more of a setup day, tomorrow we will work on the engines, tires and electronics in more detail."

Originally on Autosport.com