MotoGP, Puig admits HRC know they have issues with the bike, but are working hard

Jerez was not an easy Grand Prix for Honda, with the only satisfaction being a fourth place for Takaaki Nakagami. Marc Marquez still had to deal with his physical condition and was unable to go any higher than ninth, but at least that was better than Pol Espargarò, who is still struggling to adapt to the RC213V. Worse still was Alex Marquez, who crashed on the opening lap.

Team manager Alberto Puig took stock of the Spanish weekend: "Certainly, the race from Nakagami was one of the very positive points of Sunday in Jerez. He overcame his physical issues that he sustained in his fall in Portimao, and he showed that he is mentally very strong. Taka was not in a perfect condition, but he did a good race and was only 0.7s away from his first podium in the premier class – he explained - Another positive was that Marc Marquez and Pol Espargarò were alright after they both had very big crashes. Marc, despite two very fast falls, was able to finish the race ten seconds behind the leader which, importantly, was three seconds closer to the winner than in Portugal.”

Puig, however, does not hide the fact that the bike needs to be improved…

“The negative point is that we, as Honda HRC, understand that we are facing some issues with the bike, but we have been able to already recognize them. We are trying our best, we are bringing new parts soon and we are willing, and already working very hard, to give our best to the riders for the next races."

The Spanish manager was unable to be at the circuit and had to follow the GP from home…

"The view from the pit wall this time for me was from my TV. Unfortunately, I could not be with my team due to a health problem – he explained - and I had to watch the Grand Prix on TV. The view from home is not the same as from the pit wall, but I was able to follow the race and saw Marc having some moments with other riders in the beginning, but he tried to recover. Both Marc and Pol finished the race despite their crashes earlier. Taka, on the other hand, was in attack mode and he showed his character this weekend. We are happy with his performance. Unfortunately, his team-mate, Alex Marquez, crashed in the first lap after another rider hit him. What I can confirm from this weekend is that MotoGP is more stressful to watch from the sofa than if you are riding in the race."