Marc Márquez's future is simmering in Misano, where the San Marino GP is taking place this weekend and on Monday there will be the test of the 2024 prototypes, which the teams will put on the track. Honda admits, through the mouth of its team leader, Alberto Puig, that a good part of Marc's decision is at stake. Although the former Barcelona driver confesses that, to this day, 93 has not told them that he wants to leave.
In a long interview with Dazn TV, Alberto Puig contributed Honda's point of view in this soap opera about the delicate situation of Marc Márquez, who has one more year left on his contract (2024). The Repsol Honda boss admits that depending on how the new bike works next year, Márquez could make one decision or another.
"We have a contract with Marc and he has not told us anything [about him wanting to leave], it is obvious that the situation is bad and that the current bike is not working. That is why it is important that Monday's bike, not that it is perfect , but at least let it be noted that the characteristics are a little different. I can't answer [if it will continue depending on the bike], but let me see that there is a certain future," Puig answered Izaskun Ruiz.
"Totally, it is up to us to convince him, not with words, but with actions."
Alberto Puig was very explicit when asked about the possibility that Márquez could not fulfill his contract year and break it. "The contract is there, but if a driver decides not to race, then he doesn't race. When things don't work out for him, I understand that he is worried, that he talks to other people, that he considers other things. But we haven't reached the point where we say that next year you don't want to run with us," he said, ruling out an imminent breakup or one that has already been pre-announced.
Puig also admitted the new philosophy that is imposed at Honda to solve the situation of poor results: "When a motorcycle does not work you have to consider a radical change, with small changes you do not advance, I do not think that is the way. We think of more solutions. radical this time. At Honda they are aware that the situation is not good and when they have to react they do everything they can to react. I think they are going to do it. I think Honda is going to solve the situation," he is optimistic about the Japanese builder's reaction.
Puig has a good relationship with Márquez, in fact, the former Barcelona driver is the Honda figure who most and best links with the 93 in this crisis. "We understand his frustration and the only thing we can do is look for a solution now. I understand him perfectly, due to the situation he is going through. We only think about finding the solution, which is costing a lot."
But that solution, according to Puig admits, is not in sight in the short term: "We are quite behind on a technical level, it is obvious, it is evidence. Plans are being made, looking to restructure the situation, to get better, you have to get it right in the movements", he commented to Dazn TV, implying that Honda could incorporate new technical managers to speed up the improvement of the motorcycle.
