Alberto Puig gets new role at HRC

Dani Pedrosa’s long serving manager and mentor Alberto Puig will not be working as closely with the Spaniard in 2014 after he took up a new role within HRC.

Puig has been a constant presence at Pedrosa’s side since he moved to the Repsol Honda squad back in 2006.

But he will undertake a new role as a supervisor for several of HRC’s activities including the Asia Talent Cup and recruitment and management of young riders, which was confirmed in an official Honda statement this morning.

Puig, who has often been an outspoken and controversial figure, is a renowned talent spotter and he gave Pedrosa his big break in the Spanish domestic scene.

Puig was also a hugely influential figure in the career of double MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner, who he helped when the Australian first moved to race in Europe.

Pedrosa went on to win 125 and 250GP world titles but the premier class crown has continued to elude him in eight attempts.

Speaking about his new challenge, Puig said: “This is an exciting new challenge for me with HRC and I am very grateful for the opportunity. Initially I will focus on the new Asian Cup but then as my role grows and I will assist with young riders and I will do my best to help HRC as much as possible. Regarding Dani, I hope he can fulfill his dream, and looking back over these years I can only be proud of what is left behind with all the titles in the 125cc and 250cc class and all the MotoGP victories.”

Pedrosa, who is the most successful rider in history never to win the MotoGP crown with 25 wins, said: “After many years working together on track with Alberto, next season he will not be by my side in the garage. He will be taking care of new projects and I feel that he has already given me so much that now it is time to change our relationship slightly. Anyway, I know that Alberto will be there for me if I need something, and this is the most important thing.”

HRC Vice-President Shuhei Nakamoto said: “We are very happy to increase Alberto’s role in HRC and make use of his extensive knowledge in this world. He is a valuable asset to Honda Racing and we must utilise him and benefit from his wealth of experience. He is a respected member of the MotoGP paddock and I believe this will be good new challenge for him.”