Puig tipped to become Honda's new MotoGP boss
Alberto Puig, the former agent of Dani Pedrosa and current boss of the British and Asia Talent Cup championships, is the main candidate to replace Livio Suppo as the leader of Honda's MotoGP operation.
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Puig, a former motorcycle racer who won the 500cc Spanish Grand Prix in 1995, was credited with helping several top riders such as Pedrosa, Casey Stoner and Toni Elias making it to MotoGP.
He served as the agent of Pedrosa during the current Honda rider's one-time 125cc and double 250cc titles between 2003 and 2005, and continued to represent him until 2013.
Puig has been further involved in talent development by overseeing the Asian Talent Cup as well as the recently launched British Talent Cup.
Tetsuhiro Kuwata, general director of Honda Racing Corporation, would not go into details over Suppo's replacement and said the decision will be announced post-winter.
However, Motorsport.com understands that Puig has become the main candidate for the position as the Spaniard's experience and connections in MotoGP make him a perfect fit for Honda.
Suppo, who had been at the helm of the Honda squad since he joined from Ducati in 2010, announced on Monday after the 2017 MotoGP season finale that he is leaving both the team and series with immediate effect.
Honda's re-crowned MotoGP champion Marc Marquez applauded Suppo's work during the five years he spent with the team.
"In five years we won four titles, that means we did something well," said Marquez. "It is sad to see him go because I got along well with him.
"But if Honda decided to make changes, I have full confidence in them."
Suppo's departure is the second significant change in Honda's leadership in two years following HRC vice-president Shuhei Nakamoto's retirement last year.
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