A New Chapter for Honda HRC Leadership
The MotoGP paddock is buzzing with monumental news as a legend of the sport, Alberto Puig, prepares to shift gears at Honda HRC, signaling a seismic change in the team's leadership structure.
Key Takeaways from HRC's Shake-Up
- Alberto Puig concludes his role as Honda HRC Team Manager at the end of the 2024 MotoGP season.
- He will officially transition to a key advisory role for HRC from 2027, leveraging his vast experience.
- Davide Brivio is also set to join HRC in 2027, but in a marketing/commercial capacity, not as team manager.
- Puig's new mandate includes strategic oversight, youth development, and supporting overall two-wheeled racing activities.
The Scope of Puig's New Influence
Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has confirmed a significant change at the helm of its factory MotoGP team. Long-serving team manager Alberto Puig will step down from his current position at the close of the 2024 MotoGP season. This move marks the end of an era for a figure synonymous with Honda's recent racing endeavors.
However, Puig, the 59-year-old Spaniard, isn't leaving the Honda family entirely. As confirmed by Honda, he will transition into a key advisory role for HRC from 2027. This strategic shift aims to leverage his four decades of grand prix experience across Honda's entire two-wheeled racing spectrum, ensuring his insights continue to benefit the manufacturer.
Puig's future responsibilities are far-reaching and strategic. As an HRC advisor, he will be instrumental in shaping the manufacturer's critical youth development programs. Furthermore, he'll bolster Honda's efforts in both the MotoGP and WorldSBK championships, offering support to management and riders while assessing the broader strategic landscape of their racing initiatives.
Puig's statement perfectly encapsulates his commitment: "It’s been a life of leading from the front and now I feel my skills are best suited to look at the overall picture. I am looking forward to using my experience in this new opportunity to help Honda HRC, its riders and its staff to grow and face all the challenges and successes which racing presents."
Brivio's Arrival: A Distinct Role
This news follows closely on the heels of the announcement that Davide Brivio, formerly of Trackhouse and a veteran executive at Yamaha and Suzuki, will join HRC starting in 2027. Crucially, it's understood that Brivio's role will not be that of team manager, despite his extensive experience in that capacity.
His appointment is expected to focus more on marketing and commercial activities. This distinction highlights Honda's multi-faceted approach to reinforcing its racing operations and signals a clear compartmentalization of leadership responsibilities for maximum impact.
Puig's Unbreakable Honda Connection
Puig's history with Honda runs deep. He took over as team manager from Livio Suppo in 2018, famously guiding the squad to back-to-back triple crowns during his tenure. His connection to the brand dates back to his riding career, which ended in 1997 after a serious crash at Le Mans.
After hanging up his leathers, Puig remained a driving force in talent development. He fostered careers like that of Dani Pedrosa through initiatives such as the popular Movistar-backed development cup and Honda's own talent programs, a position he still holds today.
The Road Ahead: Who Steps Up?
With Puig transitioning, the search for his successor in the team manager role is now on. Honda is expected to announce a replacement in the coming weeks. This comprehensive leadership restructuring marks a pivotal moment for Honda HRC as they navigate the incredibly competitive waters of global motorcycle racing.
