As usual on Mondays after the Grand Prix, the sports manager of the Repsol Honda team, the Spaniard Alberto Puig , takes stock of what happened during the race weekend, this time at the debut of the MotoGP season with the Grand Prix. Qatari Award.
“It’s been a very good start from several points of view. First of all, a few months ago we didn’t know if Marc Márquez could race here in Qatar. Secondly, we got a good podium with Pol Espargaró in the first race, which It shows that what he achieved in the last stages of 2021 is still there, he has shown it, as well as his ability together with the performance of the bike. Espargaró has been consistent throughout the weekend, and we are very happy with this result.” explains the executive of the Japanese house.
One of the handicaps that the Honda team had to deal with was tire wear, especially the soft compound, which was the option chosen by both riders.
“I think Marc’s tire choice was the right one, to go with the soft. Unfortunately he lost a bit of grip at the front and he made the decision to stop pushing to avoid additional risks. He had a smart race. “Honestly; he knows what it takes and he knew that in this situation, scoring points in fifth position was the best decision. Of course, if he had had a different feeling with the bike, he would have attacked more, that is his character. What he has achieved today is good for us, he is here with a good feeling in general and is preparing for the next race. This is the longest season in MotoGP history, 21 races”, he recalls.
For Puig , starting the season on a historically difficult track for Honda with two riders in the top 5 is positive.
“We understand that we have had a good start, our riders are happy and now we have some points to improve after the first race with this new bike. Compared to previous years, we can say that we are much happier as a group and it is important that our riders be fit and have a new bike. This bike will continue to develop, of course, with everyone working to keep improving. Motivation is very high after this positive start to the season.”
When evaluating the most positive and negative points of the weekend, Puig was cryptic.
“The positive is Marc’s return to normality in racing and Pol’s confirmation that he is a front-line driver and clearly a driver who can constantly be in the top positions and fight for them. And the negative point of this weekend I am not going to mention it”, concluded the Catalan intriguingly.
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: MotoGP
Photo by: MotoGP
Photo by: MotoGP
Photo by: MotoGP
Photo by: MotoGP
Photo by: MotoGP
Photo de: MotoGP
Photo by: MotoGP
Photo by: MotoGP
Photo by: MotoGP
Photo by: MotoGP
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: MotoGP
Photo de: MotoGP
Photo de: MotoGP
Photo de: MotoGP
Photo by: MotoGP
Photo by: MotoGP
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Akhil Puthiyedath
Photo by: Akhil Puthiyedath
Photo by: Akhil Puthiyedath
