Before embarking on the battle for the 2018 season which will begin this weekend at Qatar, Marc Márquez has secured his future for the next two years by extending his collaboration with Honda until the end of 2020. With Casa Particular in Viñales who did the same with Yamaha, and much earlier than him, he is one of the tenors who no longer asks any questions about the rest of his career. What were the key factors in retaining the man who can be considered the best driver of the moment? His manager Alzamora gives a lead which confirms certain statements already made by MM93. And it concerns a new organization set up within the HRC…
A new scheme whose pivot will have been the departure of Livio Suppo, Racing Consultant and the arrival ofAberto Puig in his place, in the strategic position of team manager. Two very different approaches to the function. Was there a problem between the now six-time winner and the one who revealed himself with a certain Casey Stoner ? Emilio Alzamora comments: " we are very happy that Alberto Puig is now in this position. He is very professional and has a lot of experience. I believe he will be of great help to Honda in general and the team in particular ».
Praise that would almost sow doubt on the qualities of the starter. But the Spaniard broadens the reflection: “ Marc Márquez has noted the progress made by Honda, particularly during this off-season. These last two seasons, we have not suffered badly, but Honda has made changes in its internal organization. It gave him more confidence. The response from engineers is faster. It's a reality. And this element helped Marc a lot to make his decision ».
Marc Márquez had therefore set conditions: “ the question was mostly about engineers and development work »Insists alzamora on Speedweek. “ In the last two years, we have moved to the single electronic control unit, from the screamer engine to the big bang, and these changes have been significant ».
The message is therefore passed and the goal achieved. Considering how the off-season went, the RC213V of the new vintage seems formidable. All you have to do is jump into the fray! In passing, we will note that the name of the teammate of Marc Márquez is still not stopped. Currently, two other pilots are under HRC contract: Pedrosa et Crutchlow.
