Marini leads another strong Friday for Honda HRC Castrol

In what has quickly established itself as the new norm for the factory Honda HRC team, Luca Marini and Joan Mir sailed into the top ten placing fourth and sixth respectively.

As is often the case, conditions in Lombok, Indonesia were brutal as the ambient temperatures pushed into the 30s and the humidity hit 67%. With the wind in their sails still from the Japanese GP podium, Honda HRC Castrol were not deterred and made every lap count around the 4.3 kilometre long Indonesian Circuit. Continuing to build on their work throughout the entirety of the year, the duo once again made sure the RC213V was well represented at the front.

Leading the way in the morning, Luca Marini made his intentions abundantly clear – the Italian on top of the pile by 0.136s. Going a further 1.1 seconds faster in the afternoon, Marini would end the day in fourth overall. His 1’29.730 is already six tenths faster than his Q1 time from the Indonesian GP last year. The form is similar to what Marini had in Motegi and he is looking to learn from that experience and really capitalise on Qualifying. Flowing around a circuit he has always enjoyed, the #10 will be one to keep an eye on tomorrow.

Joan Mir was not to be outdone by his teammate and ended the day in sixth, 0.038s off the time set by Marini. Although not as strong a circuit historically as Motegi for the double World Champion, Mir was able to consistently be competitive here in Mandalika on Friday. This is now the third race in a row both riders have entered Q2 directly from Friday, continuing this performance at every race is now a clear and realistic first goal of the weekend.

Both Marini and Mir have shown some of their best form yet today and the pair have the front row as a clear target. With nine riders in the top ten split by half a second, Saturday’s action will be a close fought affair where even a small gain could pay significant dividends.