Alberto Puig Thinks Honda Will Have To Start From Zero Again
Categories: MotoGP
After a horrific start to the 2022 season, Alberto Puig concludes that with Marc Marquez’ recovery him and Repsol Honda will have to start from zero again.
The 2022 season started off well for Repsol Honda as Pol Espargaro was able to secure a podium finish in the opening race in Qatar. However, since then, things have changed for the Japanese manufacturer, including its rider pairing.
Alberto Puig has a lot to worry about – Image provided by Motorsport Images
Regarding the performance in the first half of the season, Honda team manager Alberto Puig states: “We are not on our position. We are struggling a lot and need to find a solution as quickly as possible for our riders.”
In the last few weeks, Honda’s team members, including test and Marquez substitute rider Stefan Bradl, seemed to grow more and more concerned. Bradl stated back then: “We don’t know in which direction development has to go.”
Bradl, Moto2 Champion in 2011, started the season as test rider but had to jump in for Marc Marquez again. The Spaniard had to stop racing and get surgery on his damaged right shoulder.
According to Puig, Marquez “had a good surgery in the US”. The Honda team manager hopes “[Marc] will be good and fine this time.
He continues: “It is not good to lose a rider in the middle fo the season. Priority is a total recovery of his arm and shoulder.”
However, being a rider himself, Puig knows it won’t be easy for Marquez to come back and just be on top his game:
“We need to understand what we have to bring for next year and then [with Marc back on board] start from zero again.”
