Puig: 'Marquez still has another step to make'

Alberto Puig’s memorable debut season as Repsol Honda team manager reached its biggest high in Japan last weekend when Marc Marquez wrapped up his latest riders’ title with victory in front of the factory bosses.

Former racer Puig wasn’t surprised Marquez threw caution to the wind in pursuit of victory at Motegi, describing the now five-time MotoGP champion as ‘no conformist’ and praising his strategy against Andrea Dovizioso.

“Marc rode a smart race. Winning the title was not easy, but we knew it could happen. I think his strategy was correct, staying behind Dovizioso. He knew Dovi would push hard. We have to congratulate Marc, the team and all of Honda for this great achievement,” Puig said.

“Marc is no conformist and we thought he would try to win the race. Marc has grown a lot – he is mature and he continues learning.”

Indeed, Puig is sure Marquez is far from his peak as a MotoGP rider.

“I think he still has many things to learn and he still has another step to make,” Puig said. “He is now at a very high level, maybe one or two steps ahead of the others. He has learnt how to regulate himself and that makes him stronger.”

Valentino Rossi and Giacomo Agostini are now the only riders with more premier-class titles than Marquez.

Puig’s immediate attention now turns to securing the 2018 MotoGP constructors’ championship at Phillip Island this weekend, which Honda will start with a 47-point advantage over Ducati.

“Obviously we go to Phillip Island very motivated. This is a very difficult circuit and it won’t be easy, but the goal will be try to win the constructors title.”

A 50-point lead for Honda (51 if a Ducati rider wins the race) would be enough to clinch the manufacturers’ crown on Sunday.

That would leave only the teams’ title, where Repsol Honda holds a 51-point lead over Movistar Yamaha with a maximum of 135-points still available from the remaining three rounds.