Honda Fend Off Favorite Status for 2011 MotoGP

Honda has so far dominated the competition in pre-season testing for the 2011 MotoGP season, having clinched all timing reports in the month of February and March. And not only that, but the Japanese bike maker scored fastest times with 1-2 and 1-2-3 finishes, leading many to believe that the entire season to come will become a Honda affair from beginning to end.

Needless to assume, when one finds himself into such a commanding position, he tends to fend off superiority claims. And that's exactly what happened with HRC, whose chief Shuhei Nakamoto insisted that Honda will have to face some tough competition in 2011 from rivals Yamaha and even Ducati.

“The two factory Yamaha riders are very strong,” said Nakamoto, according to Autosport. “They are achieving very fast lap times and seem very consistent, Jorge [Lorenzo] is able to keep his same low lap time on long runs, both here [at Losail] and in Sepang, and [Ben] Spies seems to be stronger than last season - so I expect them to be very competitive.”

“In Sepang, Ducati weren't able to make a good lap time but here they are catching us. I again expect them to be competitive. For Suzuki, with only one rider I think it is difficult, bearing this in mind they have done a very good job so far.”

In addition, the same HRC official told reporters that activity at its Saitama headquarters has been limited in recent days due to the earthquake that has struck Japan last week. Added the fact that several of HRC's suppliers have also shortcut their activity recently, and Honda may encounter some parts shortage issues this year.

“Everybody in Japan is trying their best to fix the situation and we hope all together we will solve all problem as soon as possible,” promised Nakamoto.