Honda’s Alberto Puig: “Happy if Marquez wins again, but I want to beat him”

His 11-year association with the Japanese manufacturer will end, perhaps as soon as this year’s postseason Valencia test, when he joins Gresini Ducati.

Alberto Puig, the Repsol Honda team manager, retains a good relationship with Marquez but has delivered an intriguing reminder that he will become merely another opponent in 2024.

“When I have been with a rider who later left I have always been happy with his results,” Puig explained to AS. 

“And in the case of Marc I will tell you that, probably even more so, because of the way in which he has treated me on a personal level.

“Obviously, he is a champion and all the fans of the motorcycle world and all of us who feel involved in this, in my case having also been a rider, know that if it went well and he won again it would be a milestone. 

“And, of course, I'd be glad. 

“I will be happy if Marquez wins again, but I want to beat him. 

“That doesn't take away from the fact that I work at Honda, that we have to develop a bike, that we're going to have riders and that our goal is to win, no matter what.”

Puig was asked if he expects Marquez to swiftly get to grips with the Ducati.

He amusingly responded: “I ask the question to you. Do you think that if the others have adapted to that motorcycle, he is not going to adapt?”

Puig’s Repsol Honda are yet to name a replacement for Marquez.

The only available bike on the 2024 MotoGP rider line-up remains the vacancy at Honda, alongside Joan Mir.