Honda’s first 1-2 finish in five years a ‘great reward for everyone’ - Puig

Alberto Puig has called Repsol Honda’s first 1-2 MotoGP finish since Aragon 2017 ‘a great feeling, a great reward for everyone’.
Marc Marquez Pol Espargaro , MotoGP race, Emilia-Romagna MotoGP. 24 October 2021
Marc Marquez Pol Espargaro , MotoGP race, Emilia-Romagna MotoGP. 24…
© Gold and Goose Photography

Marc Marquez and Pol Espargaro secured Repsol Honda’s first MotoGP 1-2 in over five years during the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. 

After both Jack Miller and Francesco Bagnaia suffered turn 15 crashes whilst ahead, Marquez went on to take a dominant third win of the year, while Espargaro converted his second best qualifying of 2021 into a best ever result with Honda. 

The last time two Honda riders took such a result was when Marquez took victory ahead of former long-time team-mate Dani Pedrosa in Aragon 2017. 

The win for Marquez is his second in succession, which is also Honda’s first back-to-back victories since 2019.

Speaking after the weekend, Team Manager Alberto Puig added: "We approached this weekend wanting to compare this race with the first in Misano to see our progress, to walk away with this result is great. 

"A 1-2 is never easy, even when you are in your best condition and this is not our best moment. But we have still managed to get this fantastic result. 

"I think it’s down to a combination of factors; a big effort from our riders, the continued work from Honda, great support from Repsol and all our other sponsors and of course the hard work of our team members. 

"We clearly showed that we will never give up or give in. This result is a great feeling, a great reward, for everyone involved in this project."

While Marquez winning his first race at a right-handed circuit since Motegi 2019 is a big moment in his recovery and potential aspirations heading into 2022, so was Espargaro’s maiden podium for the team. 

Espargaro has endured a very challenging debut season for the Japanese team, one that looked unlikely to produce a podium. 

However, a qualifying of fourth on Saturday already showed that Espargaro’s improvements in last month’s test at Misano were carried into the weekend, before going on to not only take his first podium for Honda, but his best ever MotoGP finish. 

"Pol Espargaró has been enduring a very difficult season where there were great expectations. We know it’s not been easy, but the positive point is that he never gives up," added Puig when talking about Espargaro’s podium. 

"He is always trying to find a solution, as is his team – his group shares his never give up attitude. 

"So finally, yesterday was like a gift, he deserves it, but it was also a gift for the team and for Honda because we are all helping him as much as we can. 

"We are very happy for him and the fact he has achieved his best ever position for Honda, with his first podium in these colours, shows the potential. 

"Now we hope his confidence continues to build and he can keep taking the bike to the limit."

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