After several disappointing MotoGP seasons, the HRC Team Manager is convinced that Honda is he𝓡ading in the right directio𓆉n.

Honda’s performance, especially over one lap, was very promising at the S🐽epang test, as a lighter bike has been built which Puig admits was a big aim foღr 2024.

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“We realise that we have improved our power,” Piug told MotoGP.com. “The bike is much l🦩ighter which was one of our targets and also the connection from the engine is i🌜mproved.

“The steps we have made are positive. We think we know where we have to imp𓄧rove because in the long runs we’re not as st🤪rong as one lap.

“This is probab꧟ly where we hav🎃e to work on and our main target for the next test. 

“In terms of performance the🌜 bike is faster and now we🧔 have to make the bike more stable in the race.”

As part of their efforts to be more competitive in 2024, Puig says the ‘connection’ 🍌between the factory team and LCR is stronger.

Part of that is because LCR Honda also has a new rider in the form of Johann Zarco, but also because of the new conce🎃ssion rules which will allow Honda more testing time than most of its compe💦titors.

Puig added: “We always work together with the LCR team. T🍌he conne♐ction is probably bigger this year and there’s more people involved.

“We put in more resources and we have to utalise the concession as much as possible. If you have an experienced rider like Johann it is good to t🧔ry and give him some support. 

“It’s not easy to have all the equipment for all the riders but HRC is making a big ef✃fort. Let’s seꦅe if we can gain some benefit.”

Like Zarco, Luca Marini joined H♓onda from Ducati which means he’s leaving behind the best bike on the grid.

As a result, information fed back to the team from the like💟s of Marini and Zarco is vital to helping the RC213V be on par with Ducati’s latest machines.

Discussing Marini’s impa𒊎ct, Puig said: “Professional would not be the wo🍨rd. He is very methodical and is a guy who doesn’t want to leave anything for later.

“He wants to point out eve💯rything he feels and his comments are very clear. He has a good understanding of the bike even though it's his first timeriding the bike. 

“He comes from a bike with 🔥a very high performance and now he is understanding this 🅘machine and has adapted very well to the team.”