After a successful career at Ducati, including a world title obtained with Casey Stoner in 2007, Livio Suppo took charge of marketing and communications at the Honda Racing Corporation in 2011, again with Casey Stoner. In 2013, he then became team manager of the official Repsol Honda MotoGP team.
Marquez unites the talents of Stoner and Pedrosa, according to speedweek, and yet it has changed very little compared to its beginnings. Is it unique and special?
" Yes I agree. He is special, believes Suppo. Marc's greatest asset is his character. He is always positive and active. Marc never complains for more than a few minutes because he has a very positive nature. He could be my son by his age. But he taught me to always be positive. He doesn't play drama, although he is young, successful and rich. »
Since Livio Suppo left Honda, where he was replaced by Alberto Puig, he has been freer with his words and expressed himself more openly.
Livio, you once said that the more talented a driver, the more difficult it is to work with him. With Marc Márquez and Dani Pedrosa, that must have been incredibly difficult?
“It’s not easy to explain. The more talent they have, the more power they have. And the more power they have, the harder it is to work with them. But Marc and Dani both have very good character despite their immense talent. The two are united with each other. »
So drivers have power over their teams?
“In the MotoGP category, manufacturers are at the mercy of the best riders. The drivers make a huge difference. If you have the right driver, you just have to make sure he stays happy on your team. So he does the best job. Without a good driver, you cannot achieve better results. »
What is the rider's success percentage in the MotoGP category?
“I think about 70 percent. The complete opposite of Formula 1.”
Photos © Honda and Ducati
