Alberto Puig is in Jerez with his Honda troops for two days of strategic testing which will already define the main technical lines of the 2022 MotoGP season. To make the right choices, you need the right people and precisely, the general in chief of the HRC pilots is not only unfit but also for an indefinite period. Each day that passes confirms it: this diplopia is more serious in a right arm operated on three times...
Alberto puig no longer knows which saint to turn to and to listen to his latest analysis on the state of Marc Marquez, we realize that he is reduced to burning candles. Because the “ slight concussion » of the accident with a dirt bike which had initially led to the withdrawal in Portimao was indeed more serious. The truth came out in Valencia, where the team Repsol Honda drank the chalice to the dregs by being unable to field any of his motorcycles in the last race of the year, his only rider Pol Espargaro indeed recovering from his big fall suffered during FP3 on Saturday morning…
It is with reduced numbers that Honda therefore approaches these two days of testing in the 2022 offseason at Jerez. But this time, there is no tongue in cheek: “ we can't do anything but wait »Says Alberto puig, team boss Honda, and underlines Motorsport-total : " Honda will do it too. We know the value of this driver and its potential ».
« Unfortunately, it happened. It's a similar injury to the one in Moto2 at Sepang in 2011. It's not a bone, it's a little more complicated. You have to stay calm and see how things evolve. » continues the Spaniard. “ It's not so easy to know how a nerve and an eye can react. But the doctor was positive and of course said we need to be patient. This is not an injury that can be stabilized with a plate. This thing is more serious and takes time ". "
« Of course I want to be confident. I'm not a doctor, but I listen to the doctor. Of course we have to think positively. Like I said, it's difficult, but we have to be patient. Patience is something that does not correspond to our sport " keep on going Puig. " But it's like that. Let's hope he gets lucky and gets back to full fitness ».
Alberto Puig: “ Marc Marquez is a smart guy. I think he understood«
This new setback is all the more bitter as Marc Marquez had just won two consecutive victories not only in Austin but at Misano-2, a test track for the condition of his right arm... " Marc is a smart guy. I think he understood "Says Puig. " Usually athletes try to do things that are not normal. But as far as sight is concerned, I think he will of course be patient and calmly assess the situation. We're not talking about a wrist injury or anything » comments Alberto Puig.
As the best driver Honda, his feedback on the completely redesigned prototype would have been extremely important in these tests in Jerez. “ We did the test in Misano ", Explain Puig. " Then we continued to work in Japan and in Jerez we should test what we asked. The Jerez test is the last chance for all brands to prepare a package for the Sepang test. Honda will continue working on the bike for next year. We will wait for Marc to return to form. When the time comes we will give the best motorcycle possible ».
The next offseason tests will take place in February 2022. On the 5th and 6th the test will take place in Sepang in Malaysia and from the 11th to the 13th on the new Mandalika course in Indonesia. By the way, although Marc Marquez had to miss four races, he will have been the best Honda driver in seventh place in the 2021 World Championship.
