The latest engine lists released by IRTA at Brno paint a revealing picture of the state of play with regards to engine reliability. Top of the class is Honda, whose reliability is not so much legendary as utterly intimidating. In fact, it might even be fair to say that Honda have done too good a job: The factory Honda riders have still only used three engines, despite the fact that Brno was the 10th race of the season. Of the 22 engines which have been used by the six Honda riders, just two have been withdrawn, a testament to HRC's engineering. Add this to the fact that the Honda is clearly the fastest bike on the grid, and you can see that Honda's competitors will be troubled.
Contrast Honda's fortunes to those of Suzuki. With just two riders on the grid, the Rizla Suzuki squad already has four retired engines and a total of 11 in play. Alvaro Bautista took his 6th engine at Brno, the engine extension permitted by the Grand Prix Commission coming just at the right time. Of the other riders, only Ben Spies looks to be in engine trouble, the Monster Tech 3 Yamaha rider having taken his 5th engine at Brno, but then Spies' last two new engines coincide with rumors of upgraded parts, rumors bolstered by Spies' run close to the podium in the Czech Grand Prix.read more
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