The health situation in Spain has recently worsened, and Alberto Puig, the team manager of the Repsol Honda team, who lives in Catalonia, is following the situation with concern. Whilehe supports the action of his Barcelona neighbor Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna's boss), he moved into his parents' house, on the outskirts of the Spanish metropolis, even before curfew.
“The most productive thing we can do right now is stay alivehe says. And this at a time when 700 people could die every day. I know that sounds a bit apocalyptic, but that's the priority. »
Apart from that, he regularly talks to drivers and mechanics and tries to boost their morale. “I am also in contact with the factory in Japan, where the factories have not been closed. We're waiting for the organizers to give the green light and come up with a new schedule, but there's not much else we can do. »
“The bike for the 2020 season is already finished and complies with current regulations. The engines were retroactively sealed in order to create greater equal opportunities between manufacturers. »
“But of course everyone tries to make minor improvements in the areas where they are allowed to work. We're talking about the chassis, some aerodynamic aspects, but very specific elements. You cannot change the basic structure. »
Honda has not issued explicit guidelines on how to handle the situation. Puig admits: “At first they were not fully aware of the scale of the problem in Spain. But as the days went by, they understood that it is not only a problem, but that we are facing a real tragedy. »
“It’s different in Japan, where people can more or less continue their daily lives, either because they know better how to contain the spread, or because the virus is less virulent there,” Puig speculates.
“In Spain, on the other hand, there is now a complete lockdown – like in Italy. It is difficult to predict when the situation will improve. And it is equally uncertain when MotoGP will be able to start its new season, after the cancellation of the first premier class race in Qatar and the postponement of subsequent events. And where there is no racing, there is no income. »
For teams, this also causes financial uncertainty. But Puig, when asked about his own sponsors, sees no reason to worry so far: “We are very happy to have Repsol, with whom we have been working for a long time. The partnership has lasted for more than 25 years. »
“It is a company that has great social responsibility and understands the situation in which we find ourselves. It is obvious that no one likes to invest money in something that is not done, which is why Repsol is very generous. And the other sponsors we have understand that too. »
Source: Motorsport-Total.com
Photos © Repsol Media
