Alberto Puig reviews Honda: More consistent, but not fast enough

– Honda has recently shown signs of recovery in MotoGP again, but the path back to the top remains a long-term project. Team manager Alberto Puig draws a mixed conclusion after the development so far: The RC213V has become more consistent, but the big breakthrough is still pending.

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In an interview with MotoGP.com, Puig explains that Honda was basically able to maintain the level from the last races of the previous year. At the same time, the Spaniard admits that the progress in results has so far been less than hoped for.

“I think we have roughly maintained the level we showed in the last part of last season. We have made progress on the bike, we have improved some things,” says Puig. “But the results don’t look quite as clear. We did have the podium in Barcelona, but maybe we expected a bit more,” admits the team manager.

The mentioned podium by Joan Mir at the Catalan Grand Prix was lost by Honda due to a subsequent tire pressure penalty. Apart from that, two top-5 results – with Marini in Hungary and Mir in Brno – remained the highlight.

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Despite the lack of big leaps, the Honda official recognizes a positive development in consistency. Compared to last year, the team is more often able to deliver competitive weekends. “I think we are on average a bit more consistent than last year,” explains Puig.

Further development of the RC213V with a view to the future

Honda is currently working not only on short-term improvements but also uses the development of the current machine as a basis for upcoming projects. Team manager Puig makes it clear that the updates introduced so far are not enough to immediately make the next big step.

“We have developed the bike a little further, but probably not enough to make the second step,” says the Spaniard honestly. At the same time, he emphasizes that the insights gained are valuable for the future: “According to our understanding of what we need for the future, what we are implementing now with this bike will help us for next year.”

Honda has been in a difficult phase for several years and is working to reduce the gap to the European manufacturers. The Japanese brand has adjusted its development strategy and is focusing more on long-term technical changes than on short-term successes.

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Focus is on maximizing yield from the current package

When asked what steps Honda can still take with the current machine, Puig mainly refers to detail work. While a major focus is already on the next bike generation, the current package must continue to be used optimally.

“It’s not that easy because many people are already thinking about the new bike,” explains Puig. “Therefore, we have to try to have a good weekend, find the right settings, and continue to adjust small things.”

The approach is less a major overhaul but the best possible use of the existing possibilities. “Basically, we have to focus on what we have, race, and deliver our best level. Then we will see if we can achieve good weekends,” says Puig.

Puig expresses hope for a better second half of the season

Despite the cautious assessment, Puig looks ahead optimistically. Honda expects that the experiences gained and the work on setup can help improve results in the second half of the season.

“We are here now and still have many races ahead of us. Of course, we expect to improve our results in the second half of the season,” says the Honda team manager with eleven race weekends still to come.

Thus, Honda’s goal remains clear: Not only individual breakthroughs forward should succeed, but a sustainable improvement in overall performance. However, for Puig, the path back to regular podiums is still a process where patience and consistent further development are crucial.

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