In a season in which the absence of its champion has truncated the team’s roadmap, Alberto Puig is optimistic despite the ups and downs that the Japanese manufacturer is experiencing in 2022.
“It is not a good season for us and there is nothing to delve into the situation,” Puig introduced. “It is clear that we are not competitive and we have to improve, and that is what we are trying to do.”
After bottoming out at the Sachsenring with his worst result, the Japanese team’s team manager opened up about the crisis the team is going through.
“Many explanations can be given, but the truth is that we must improve and we must change our procedures, and that is what we are trying to do. In the history of Honda, we have had more good moments than bad, in terms of results, but now we are in a bad one. So we have to fix it”, acknowledged the Spaniard.
Despite the absence caused by the recovery of his fourth surgery, Marc Márquez continues to shed light on a team that needs his guidance. However, without your champion’s data in the garage, factory development isn’t having its time.
Given this situation, the best scenario for HRC could be that Márquez returns at the end of the season.
“Yes, if possible, it would be nice if he could test the bike for, say, after the summer or the end of the year. That would be the best thing, especially for our engineers, so that they understand in which direction to work. But, the priority is full recovery of his arm,” Puig insisted.
In this way, and without the #93 in the box, the search for a change so that Honda becomes more competitive again, worries the Japanese garage more and more every day.
“Well, the history of Honda is that it never gives up. But we know we will get there. We have to try to probably change our way of thinking a bit, and the key point is not to give up on the pursuit of the goal and the will to find the better solutions”.
The future teammate of #93 joins HRC’s list of unknowns in 2022. However, the possibility of Joan Mir supporting the Cervera rider is an alternative that is gaining more and more strength in the MotoGP paddock.
“When the news about Suzuki came out, we were all shocked,” recalled Puig. “Obviously, I think the Suzuki drivers went to talk to other teams, it’s normal. There are options, there are different options, and we are considering them,” he advanced.
“We said from the beginning that this year Honda would take more time to decide, and that’s where we are now. We have chances, he also has great chances, and as for the satellite team, that is run by Lucio, it is his team, and we will support him. with whatever decision he decides [regarding the possible admission of Alex Rins],” concluded Puig.
