P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Honda MotoGP team boss praised for ‘protecting’ riders
Honda MotoGP test rider Aleix Espargaro recently expressed that part of the reason he decided to join the project this year was his admiration for team boss Alberto Puig, who had previously “protected” his brother Pol Espargaro. Retiring from full-time racing at the end of the 2024 season with three grand prix wins under his belt, Aleix embraced the role of official test rider at Honda. Despite only participating in two wildcard races in 2025 so far, Espargaro has found his experience with Honda, particularly working alongside Puig and former Aprilia technical chief Romano Albesiano, to be positive. Puig’s straightforward and protective nature, as witnessed by Pol during his time at Honda, played a significant role in Aleix’s decision to join the team. With Honda’s recent successes in the 2025 season, including breaking a victory drought and maintaining a strong position in the constructors’ championship, riders seem content with the team’s management style.
