Although known in the world of paddocks, Alberto Puig remains a personality apart in the world of Grands Prix. Both a good driver, talent scout or Honda Repsol manager, focus on a man who weighs a lot. Very heavy.
Born in 1967, Alberto's professional career began timidly. The latter did some freelance work twenty years later, before joining the Nieto team in 250cc, without further success. The adventure continued for three years at Yamaha, before joining Aprilia.
The Spanish driver found the right compromise in the Italian machine, and achieved a promising second place during the 1992 Malaysian Grand Prix on the Shah Alam circuit. The latter continues his solid season, constantly remaining in the top 10. Despite a good third place obtained in Hungary, that is not enough. Sixth place in the championship, see you next year.
Puig in 1993 on Honda at the Japanese Grand Prix. Photo: Rikita
Sito Pons took him under his wing, and offered him the opportunity to ride the Honda NSR250. It was at this time that Puig maintained privileged relationships with Honda decision-makers, and benefited from the rise of Spain in the paddocks. The Sito Pons structure began in Grand Prix in 1992, with Álex Crivillé at the helm.
Unfortunately, he only finished the championship ninth: a rather unremarkable career so far. But the move to 500, still with Pons, is better. In 1994, he moved up and up, finishing every race of the season in the top eight. An encouraging fifth place, which opens the field of possibilities for 1995.
And there is no shortage of it. From the first games, he held his own against Kevin Schwantz and Alex Barros. The consecration came during the 1995 Spanish Grand Prix, in Jerez. Mick Doohan does not take advantage of his pole position, and leaves the field open to a furious Puig.
The latter puts in the fast laps, and wins the first race of his career in front of his home crowd, sticking five full seconds to Cadalora. He is also the first Spaniard to triumph at home at the highest level.. A victory for history.
The season continues, two podiums and then nothing. Then in third place in the championship, the latter suffered a monster loss during practice for the French Grand Prix: broken left leg. He attempted a comeback in 1996, punctuated by a podium at Le Castellet, but nothing more. He decided to retire from sports in 1997. This injury may have spoiled our great talent, but such is the harsh law of sport.
At the top of his form, Alberto could compete with the very best. Here with Mick Doohan and Alex Crivillé at Assen in 1995. Photo: Box Repsol
Alberto's second career is undoubtedly more beautiful. Working for the Spanish team, he provided his support and experience to a certain Dani Pedrosa at the very beginning of the 2000s. The latter managed to take three titles, and always gave Puig more legitimacy. It was also he who channeled, with Lucio Cecchinello, the fiery prodigy Casey Stoner.
He is one of the rare people who knows how to spot raw talent and shape it to bring it to its maximum potential. The Australian legend, moreover, never fails to praise the Spanish mentor.
It is therefore quite natural that this precursor, this professor of the Spanish 'golden generation' accesses prestigious positions; today he is manager of the Repsol Honda team. His outspokenness often earns him some criticism, but we must not forget the importance of this man in the motorcycle landscape of the 21st century.
Cover photos: Box Repsol
