{"id":1899636,"date":"2026-04-23T11:00:01","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T08:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1899636"},"modified":"2026-04-23T11:00:01","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T08:00:01","slug":"jerez-predicted-to-give-a-better-signal-of-hondas-motogp-level","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1899636","title":{"rendered":"Jerez predicted to give &#8220;a better signal&#8221; of Honda&#8217;s MotoGP level"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1301826_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>Jerez predicted to give &#8220;a better signal&#8221; of Honda&#8217;s MotoGP level<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Luca Marini warns that the \u201clevel has increased so much\u201d in MotoGP this season, expects Jerez to provide a \u201cbetter signal\u201d of Honda\u2019s position.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Peter McLaren <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-23T12:58:45+00:00\">Updated: 23 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1301826_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1301826_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1301826_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1301826_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1301826_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1301826_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1301826_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1301826_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1301826_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Luca Marini, 2026 US MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Luca Marini heads into this weekend\u2019s Spanish MotoGP as the top Honda rider in the world championship standings.<\/p>\n<p>However, the Italian sits only tenth overall, despite his strongest weekend of the season at COTA.<\/p>\n<p>Marini secured Honda\u2019s best result so far with fifth in the Sprint, before passing Ducati\u2019s Francesco Bagnaia on the final lap to finish ninth in the grand prix.<\/p>\n<p>Even so, he trailed three Aprilias, three Ducatis and two KTMs, crossing the line 14.471 seconds behind race winner Marco Bezzecchi.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was a race that shows that the level of everybody has increased so much,\u201d Marini said at COTA.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cThis year, the first eight bikes are working really well and it&#8217;s difficult to be there.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are pushing in every corner, every braking at the limit for all the race because also the tyres are working very well.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-8f818208f09c76be5f86cefc78f9965d13c751d3a7a05ce65cb821880f073866\">  Aleix Espargaro discharged after \u201ccomplicated\u201d surgery: \u201cThe worst fall of my career\u201d   Aleix Espargaro has four vertebrae fused after Honda MotoGP test accident <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s tough. We are not so happy that we are still P9. We want something more, but we need to improve more our package.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLet&#8217;s see what we can have in the Jerez [post-race] test to be a little bit more in front.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Looking ahead to Jerez this weekend, Marini expects a more accurate gauge of Honda\u2019s performance.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-44cad57c6ff53c7e8d2d33d2e61246bdcac57765d22461f60f89a810912ccdea\">  Pirelli: Tyre pressure controversy? MotoGP races should &#8216;finish&#8217; at the flag   Joan Mir explains costly race crashes, title leader Bezzecchi tops 2026 MotoGP falls list <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cJerez is a circuit that everyone knows really well, and I think it will be a better signal of where we are compared to the other bikes,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLike always, getting into Q2 is our first focus of the weekend and then we will see what\u2019s possible on Saturday and Sunday.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>On the other side of the garage, team-mate Joan Mir will be aiming to end a nightmare run of five consecutive non-scores since Buriram.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJerez is a good circuit to understand many things, and I hope that we can have the same speed we\u2019ve had in the opening races,\u201d said Mir, who qualified fifth at COTA.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur approach doesn\u2019t change; I know that we can be competitive and I will always keep giving my maximum to extract the most from the bike and the situation.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIt will also be interesting to see what the Monday test brings as well. A busy weekend to get back into the groove.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Luca Marini<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Joan Mir<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Honda HRC (MotoGP)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Miguel Oliveira explains key Pirelli vs Michelin MotoGP tyre differences<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304843_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304843_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304843_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304843_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304843_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304843_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304843_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304843_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304843_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Marc Marquez shows COTA wound ahead of Spanish MotoGP<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1305822_hires-1.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1305822_hires-1.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1305822_hires-1.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1305822_hires-1.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1305822_hires-1.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1305822_hires-1.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1305822_hires-1.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1305822_hires-1.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1305822_hires-1.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-aec1b3cb3a4a83587dc9552f3ca14c34590001d90285287c065a0ba139274e2f\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Peter McLaren<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">MotoGP Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez\u2019s injury issues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-9ae6fdd340a533a64ede1f94b72ca92488e0eea7875a58b9d2265213ca3bb337\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Marc Marquez: Aprilia MotoGP dominance \u201cnot any surprise\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776088591\"> 13\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1298699_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marc Marquez, Marco Bezzecchi, Jorge Martin, Tissot Sprint Race, Brazilian MotoGP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>MotoGP 2027 trade board: How the grid is shaping up, and who could miss out<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776081600\"> 13\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304135_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"2026 MotoGP US GP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Return of key KTM MotoGP figure &#8220;a win in every respect&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776077791\"> 13\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304024_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Pedro Acosta, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ducati takes inspiration from rivals in rear aero battle<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775746086\"> 09\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ducati.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"New Ducati rear aero and leg wings, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Podcast: How MotoGP\u2019s reserve rider proposal could work<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775728975\"> 09\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1302898_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Start, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Luca Marini urges Honda to trial 2027 MotoGP aero \u201cdetails\u201d this season<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775724906\"> 09\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304341_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Luca Marini, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Luca Marini warns that the \u201clevel has increased so much\u201d in MotoGP this season, expects Jerez to provide a \u201cbetter signal\u201d of Honda\u2019s position.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Luca Marini heads into this weekend\u2019s Spanish MotoGP as the top Honda rider in the world championship standings.<\/p>\n<p>However, the Italian sits only tenth overall, despite his strongest weekend of the season at COTA.<\/p>\n<p>Marini secured Honda\u2019s best result so far with fifth in the Sprint, before passing Ducati\u2019s Francesco Bagnaia on the final lap to finish ninth in the grand prix.<\/p>\n<p>Even so, he trailed three Aprilias, three Ducatis and two KTMs, crossing the line 14.471 seconds behind race winner Marco Bezzecchi.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was a race that shows that the level of everybody has increased so much,\u201d Marini said at COTA.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cThis year, the first eight bikes are working really well and it&#8217;s difficult to be there.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are pushing in every corner, every braking at the limit for all the race because also the tyres are working very well.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-8f818208f09c76be5f86cefc78f9965d13c751d3a7a05ce65cb821880f073866\">  Aleix Espargaro discharged after \u201ccomplicated\u201d surgery: \u201cThe worst fall of my career\u201d   Aleix Espargaro has four vertebrae fused after Honda MotoGP test accident <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s tough. We are not so happy that we are still P9. We want something more, but we need to improve more our package.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLet&#8217;s see what we can have in the Jerez [post-race] test to be a little bit more in front.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Looking ahead to Jerez this weekend, Marini expects a more accurate gauge of Honda\u2019s performance.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-44cad57c6ff53c7e8d2d33d2e61246bdcac57765d22461f60f89a810912ccdea\">  Pirelli: Tyre pressure controversy? MotoGP races should &#8216;finish&#8217; at the flag   Joan Mir explains costly race crashes, title leader Bezzecchi tops 2026 MotoGP falls list <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cJerez is a circuit that everyone knows really well, and I think it will be a better signal of where we are compared to the other bikes,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLike always, getting into Q2 is our first focus of the weekend and then we will see what\u2019s possible on Saturday and Sunday.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>On the other side of the garage, team-mate Joan Mir will be aiming to end a nightmare run of five consecutive non-scores since Buriram.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJerez is a good circuit to understand many things, and I hope that we can have the same speed we\u2019ve had in the opening races,\u201d said Mir, who qualified fifth at COTA.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur approach doesn\u2019t change; I know that we can be competitive and I will always keep giving my maximum to extract the most from the bike and the situation.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIt will also be interesting to see what the Monday test brings as well. A busy weekend to get back into the groove.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Luca Marini heads into this weekend\u2019s Spanish MotoGP as the top Honda rider in the world championship standings.<\/p>\n<p>However, the Italian sits only tenth overall, despite his strongest weekend of the season at COTA.<\/p>\n<p>Marini secured Honda\u2019s best result so far with fifth in the Sprint, before passing Ducati\u2019s Francesco Bagnaia on the final lap to finish ninth in the grand prix.<\/p>\n<p>Even so, he trailed three Aprilias, three Ducatis and two KTMs, crossing the line 14.471 seconds behind race winner Marco Bezzecchi.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was a race that shows that the level of everybody has increased so much,\u201d Marini said at COTA.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cThis year, the first eight bikes are working really well and it&#8217;s difficult to be there.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are pushing in every corner, every braking at the limit for all the race because also the tyres are working very well.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-8f818208f09c76be5f86cefc78f9965d13c751d3a7a05ce65cb821880f073866\">  Aleix Espargaro discharged after \u201ccomplicated\u201d surgery: \u201cThe worst fall of my career\u201d   Aleix Espargaro has four vertebrae fused after Honda MotoGP test accident <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s tough. We are not so happy that we are still P9. We want something more, but we need to improve more our package.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLet&#8217;s see what we can have in the Jerez [post-race] test to be a little bit more in front.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Looking ahead to Jerez this weekend, Marini expects a more accurate gauge of Honda\u2019s performance.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-44cad57c6ff53c7e8d2d33d2e61246bdcac57765d22461f60f89a810912ccdea\">  Pirelli: Tyre pressure controversy? MotoGP races should &#8216;finish&#8217; at the flag   Joan Mir explains costly race crashes, title leader Bezzecchi tops 2026 MotoGP falls list <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cJerez is a circuit that everyone knows really well, and I think it will be a better signal of where we are compared to the other bikes,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLike always, getting into Q2 is our first focus of the weekend and then we will see what\u2019s possible on Saturday and Sunday.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>On the other side of the garage, team-mate Joan Mir will be aiming to end a nightmare run of five consecutive non-scores since Buriram.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJerez is a good circuit to understand many things, and I hope that we can have the same speed we\u2019ve had in the opening races,\u201d said Mir, who qualified fifth at COTA.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur approach doesn\u2019t change; I know that we can be competitive and I will always keep giving my maximum to extract the most from the bike and the situation.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIt will also be interesting to see what the Monday test brings as well. A busy weekend to get back into the groove.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/motogp\/news\/1093312\/1\/jerez-predicted-give-better-signal-hondas-motogp-level&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1301826_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Jerez predicted to give &#8220;a better signal&#8221; of Honda&#8217;s MotoGP level Luca Marini warns that the \u201clevel has increased so much\u201d in MotoGP this season, expects Jerez to provide a \u201cbetter signal\u201d of Honda\u2019s position. Peter McLaren Updated: 23 Apr 2026 Share Luca Marini, 2026 US MotoGP. \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose Add as [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1899636","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1899636","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1899636"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1899636\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1899636"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1899636"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1899636"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}