MotoGP | GP Portimao Sprint Race, Rins: “We didn't trigger the rear grip”

GP Portimao MotoGP 2023 LCR Honda – 13th and 15th positions for Alex Rins and Taakaki Nakagami in the Sprint Race valid for the Portuguese Grand Prix, the opening round of the 2023 MotoGP season. Despite the work carried out between tests and free practice yesterday, the riders were unable to optimize the - still immature - potential of the new Honda RCV, an aspect that will have to push the technicians to work in view of the actual race scheduled for tomorrow afternoon .

Statements Alex Rins Sprint Race GP Portimao MotoGP 2023

“We started really well, but a lot of people were over the limit, so we tried to stay focused. The wind was so strong compared to this morning's and yesterday's tests. During the race, at a certain point, I was trying to catch up with the riders in front, but I couldn't. Tomorrow we will try to give something more. We took a lot of information from Sprint because the conditions will be the same for the GP race, so let's see. Now I'm losing a little in acceleration. In the Sprint the grip from the rear tire didn't arrive, so I wasn't able to take advantage of the advantage of the soft."

Statements Taakaki Nakagami Sprint Race GP Portimao MotoGP 2023

“The first lap of the Sprint race was particular, with many crashes. Everyone was aggressive and that's what I expected because it's only 12 laps. So you have to be very strong at the start of the race. Honestly my performance wasn't the best, but tomorrow we will have another chance. 25 laps and therefore a long race. I need to collect some data from today's ride to understand where to improve. We need to generate more grip at the rear."