A veteran of the sport, first as a rider and then as a manager, Alberto Puig took stock of the improvement of "his" Honda in recent months after a disastrous period and the current atmosphere of excitement that is animating the paddock in view of 2027, when a lot will change technically speaking, on the sidelines of the MotoGP test currently underway in Sepang.
"We are very satisfied because great progress has been made," he told Motogp.com about the advances made by HRC. "We have worked on many small details that have ultimately yielded results. It wasn't a revolution, but rather small adjustments in the weakest areas, and now the bike works well, is lighter, and the engine responds better. The most important thing is that the riders are satisfied. That's the proof that a good job has been done. Sometimes the data can be comforting, but if the rider isn't happy, it's useless. The fact that everyone is satisfied, on the other hand, makes us confident about the start of the season."
Despite a situation that is clearly more reassuring than the one experienced by the Japanese team just a couple of years ago, the 59-year-old preferred to steer clear of making any bold statements. "I don't know if there's a chance of winning, but that's the goal. We have a minimum for 2026, and we'll see if it's enough because our rivals aren't sleeping and are making progress too. I don't want to expose myself too much, but the desire is to win as soon as possible."
Riding the LCR team's Honda during these days of general testing in Malaysia, reigning Moto2 champion Diogo Moreira made his debut in the premier class. "I think he's doing very well and he's happy. He's made good progress here in Sepang. If he continues like this, limiting accidents, I think he can do well. He's a smart guy, but then we'll have to see in the race when he finds himself fighting with those who have more experience than him. In the end, you can understand a lot of things in testing, but it's in the race that you really learn and make progress. The first part of the season will certainly not be easy for him, but thanks to his skills, we'll see some good things," was the Spaniard reflected cautiously.
For several months now, the rider market has been exploding in anticipation of the revolution, and Quartararo is said to be close to signing with the Tokyo-based manufacturer. "What I can say is that, as of today, everyone is talking to everyone. It's true that every year this phase starts earlier and earlier, but for us right now, it's important to provide maximum support to our current riders. That said, nothing has been decided. We'll see how the season goes. Fabio is fantastic, like others, and at some point Honda will have to make a choice, but for now our focus is on our current line-up, so not only Marini and Mir, but also Zarco and Moreira. Halfway through the championship, we'll see where we are," he said, dismissing any speculation.
When asked what characteristics a rider must possess to be considered by Honda, he revealed: "He must be fast and intelligent. That's all." With 2027 still to be decided, the riders, starting with Luca and Joan, will be under the microscope from the first GPs.
"This will be the case for everyone whose contract is expiring. And this applies to the entire paddock because there are technicians who are talking to the various teams and vice versa. 2026 will be chaotic in this respect and there will be a lot of competition. But this is normal, there is just more emphasis because new regulations will come into force next year," he concluded.