The big news of the 2023 MotoGP season is the arrival, from Suzuki, of Ken Kawauchi as new technical director. Discreet, but couldn't be more determined, he began to make his mark in an official Repsol team which he led with an iron fist in a velvet glove for three days at Sepang. A new era, certainly, for Takeo Yokoyama's regulars until now. During the presentation of the colors of the year in Madrid, Alberto Puig, Marc Marquez and Joan Mir gave their first feelings about the Japanese. Knowing that, for the last city, he is anything but a stranger...
Ken Kawauchi is a shadow in the box and, in photos, you will usually find him in the back, almost hidden by one of his colleagues. But don't be fooled by appearances. He knows what he wants and where he is going. Marc Marquez realized this in Malaysia: “ the arrival of technical director Ken Kawauchi was a bit of a change in the box », declared the eight-time World Champion, referring to the Sepang tests. “ It's not like it was night and day with his predecessor Takeo Yokoyama. But he ordered that we try some parts that we had thrown away last year because they didn't work ».
On this approach which nevertheless marked him, he commented: “ it is the right of the new Technical Manager to see with his own eyes what is in place. I accept this role and this method ". And he ends: “ we work in a different way and hopefully productively for the future ". A sentence that can be interpreted in any way, but which sets the goal to be achieved: success.
One who was not surprised by the method is obviously Joan mir : " I have seen Ken work and he is very methodical, very disciplined and organized “, said the 2020 MotoGP World Champion. “ If Honda signed him, it's because they believe in what he can bring. I think this could be some interesting things ". The Majorcan adds: “ I think Ken has some interesting and important things to bring with him, having worked with another brand and developing the Suzuki for so long. He has good information, I think it will be positive ».
Alberto Puig: “we will support Ken with his character and style and we will adapt to this new system"
Et Alberto puig who was quite close to the predecessor, what does he think of the newcomer? “ Every person is different, and even with Ken and Takeo, who have been doing this job for many years, everyone has a different personality. We need more time to understand Ken's approach, but it worked very well at Sepang ».
He specifies on speedweek : " we also have to say that Takeo has done a fantastic job with the team over the past few years. His work in Japan is also very important now as he prepares the next generation of HRC people who will come to Europe ". Then he concludes: “ we will support Ken with his character and style and we will adapt to this new system, which was different but good at Sepang ". Through Kawauchi, Honda would he demonstrate the desire to take back control of his project which some considered secretly as in the hands of the clan? Marc Marquez ?
