The input of MotoGP control electronics supplier Magneti Marelli's input has been key to Honda's upturn in form in the opening race of the season in Qatar. The Japanese squad struggled with its new bike during pre-season testing, and feared it would be very far from rivals Yamaha and Ducati when the season kicked off. However, Marc Marquez finished on the podium in Qatar, just two seconds off race winner Jorge Lorenzo and right behind the Ducati of Andrea Dovizioso. Teammate Dani Pedrosa finished in fifth. Honda had also introduced some radical changes that would usually go against its philosophy, including a counter-rotating crankshaft, in order to address its issues. Both riders also...
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