MotoGP, Hernandez: “The RC213V won’t be perfect, but Marquez can win”

One of the rider’s most trusted colleagues is their crew chief and the relationship between Santi Hernandez and Marc Marquez is particularly well established, considering they’ve worked together for twelve years already. The two Spaniards understand each other perfectly, the technician knows what the rider needs to best express himself and, after two tough seasons, a new challenge now awaits them in the shape of the new 2022 RC213V.

The feeling is excellent

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The pair enjoy a very close relationship, one based on clear mutual respect. Hernandez notes: “As always, I try to best advise him after verifying everything with the team members. Of course, the rider’s opinion is also very important. Sometimes you have to listen closely to what he’s saying because the problem has to do with what he’s feeling. During the flag-to-flag you have to listen more to the rider because what he might feel can make the difference”.

It’s a continuous exchange: “And then there are times when the rider listens more to the staff because we have all the data and more information. But in the end decisions are made together".

The added value of Pol Espargaró

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The two teams inside the Repsol Honda garage, that of Marquez and of Pol Espargaró, support each other: “The other side of the garage is always a help, particularly in the last two years when we haven’t always been 100%”. Last year began with the new era of Espargaró in Honda, and Hernandez admits: “It’s not easy for Ramon (Aurin, Pol’s crew chief) to change rider each year. I hope his work is easier this year because he’s already known Pol for a year and that will clearly help us”. As for “Polyccio”, Hernandez says: “He’s a rider who wants to continuously improve. He’s a hard-worker, he never gives up. It’s great to have this kind of rider at HRC. I hope that, with the new bike, he can achieve better results this year - it can be important for the entire team”.

High hopes

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And now they have the new RC213V on thier hands: “Unfortunately we haven’t been able to test a lot. The only time we tested the new bike was at Misano (prior to the Sepang and Mandalika tests) and we were forced to miss the Jerez test”. There have been a lot of changes: “The bike is different, as is the engine and the aerodynamics. It won’t be the perfect bike, but it’s interesting to start the season and see where we’re at. We believe we can run up front”.

As for goals, the technician explains: “After two years in which we were unable to fight for the title, we want to give it our all this season. But honestly, when you work with a rider like Marc, the aim is to win the title”. From a personal standpoint, he admits: “The important thing is to believe in what you’re doing and enjoy the moment. Then we’ll see about the result”.

Translated by Heather Watson

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