Rd.14 San Marino GP - Track Report

Track Report by Alberto Puig [Repsol Honda Team - Team Manager]

What are Honda HRC’s feelings after the race?

I think the San Marino GP produced a good final result out of the problems we had during the weekend. Marc Marquez’s last lap was very interesting because he was able to gain two positions, and especially considering his physical condition, we are very happy with what he managed to do. Pol Espargaro was also able to keep a good rhythm throughout the race and finished in seventh position. At the beginning of the race he lost a bit of time but his pace was good. Overall, we are happy with the results and we expect to keep progressing in the next races.

Marc was struggling the whole weekend; can he test this week?

Marc was struggling with pain, but we know that this test is very important as it allows us to try new components. It won’t be easy for him, but he will do it.

What are the positive points and negative points after race?

The positive is that both Repsol Honda Team riders were able to do a good race. They were consistent, and this is very important. There were some question marks before the race, but finally the result is better than expected when we look at the difference to the leaders.

The view from pit wall during race?

Races like this certainly aren’t boring from the pit wall, and they certainly aren’t boring for the riders. Marc had to suffer a lot in Misano but he produced a great race. The lap times both he and Pol were doing were quite consistent and this is important for us and gives us a sign of progress and hope of continuing this progress.

Pol is progressing, what is your opinion after this race?

I think he was much better than Aragon. If you see the lap times you can see what he was doing, riding with same pace as the front guys. We are happy with the job he did today.

In any case, globally we are not super happy. We, as Honda HRC, are here trying to win, but with our current situation it was a good weekend.