MotoGP, Alberto Puig: "we have an experienced rider in Johann Zarco and it would be good to give him support, Honda and HRC are making a big effort for that"

Alberto Puig, team principal of Team Repsol Honda, expressed his satisfaction with the team's continued positive development seen during the recent tests at Sepang. However, he stressed that there remains a specific problem to be solved and is counting on Johann Zarco to help improve the team.

By providing feedback from the tests at Sepang, Alberto puig first discussed the progress the team has made, particularly in terms of increased power, a lighter bike and improved connection with the engine. He said that although positive steps have been taken, the team must focus on improving its performance in the race, where it is weaker than in qualifying. He also mentioned the efforts made to strengthen collaboration between the Team Repsol Honda et LCR Honda, in order to make the most of available resources.

Regarding Johann zarco, Puig highlighted his key role in the team's growth, praising the support given to the experienced rider despite logistical challenges: “ we have an experienced rider with Johann in the other team and it would be good to give him some support. It's not very easy to have all the equipment for all the pilots at the same time, but Honda and HRC are making a big effort for this and we will see what the benefits will be ».

Alberto puig also expressed his satisfaction with the progress made on the new 213 RC2024V, while acknowledging that there is still work to be done to make the bike more stable in racing: “ we realize that we have progressed, our power is better and the bike is lighter, the connection with the motor has improved. In terms of performance, the bike is faster and we have to try to make it more stable while running ».

**Alberto Puig: “ our only ultimate goal is to win the title, that's the Honda philosophy »**

Regarding performance during testing at Sepang, the team director noted the tenth place of Joan mir as the best result for the pilots Honda, but stressed the need to understand the new bike settings to be competitive. He also mentioned the close collaboration with LCR Honda to test new components and maximize the benefits of concessions granted to satellite teams.

The Spaniard shared his thoughts on Luca marini, praising his methodical approach and rapid adaptation to the Honda : “ he is a very methodical pilot. He's someone who doesn't want to leave anything for later, he wants to write down absolutely everything he feels. His comments are very clear, he understands the bike very well and this was evident from the first time he got on the Honda. It is very promising. He comes from a very fast bike, and now he understands the Honda. I think he has adapted very well to the team, we are delighted with the effort he is making ».

He also expressed his confidence in Joan mir, highlighting its potential with an improved motorcycle: “ he is a double world champion capable of achieving great things with the right bike. Last year he didn't adapt well to the bike, now we improved in many areas that were important to him. The connection between the motor and the driver is better for him. He will be able to demonstrate his true potential. There's no doubt about him ».

Puig clearly expressed the intentions of Honda for the future: to get out of the difficult situation of previous seasons and return to a competitive level where the team can aim for victories and world titles: “ we want to get out of the situation we have experienced in recent years, during which we were not 100% competitive. We are working to get back to a level where our drivers have the opportunity to fight, and that will be the first step. The second will be to win races when the bike is ready. Our only ultimate goal is to win the title, that's the Honda philosophy ».

The tenth position obtained by Joan mir, almost seven tenths from the Ducati of Pecco Bagnaia, is the best result obtained by the pilots of the firm with golden wings. We then find Takaaki Nakagami (13th +1,083), Johann zarco (16th +1,260) and the Italian Luca marini (19th +1,326), with still a lot of work ahead of him to understand his new bike.