Marc Marquez’s triumphant return to the winner’s circle on a Ducati at the Aragon GP last weekend marked a significant milestone, but Repsol Honda team boss Alberto Puig has offered insight into why it took longer than anticipated for the former eight-time world champion to secure his first victory post-Honda.
Marquez, who dominated at Aragon, visited his former colleagues at Honda, the team where he built his legacy, to share in his latest success, highlighting the bond he still feels with the team that brought him to the pinnacle of the sport.
Speaking to El Periodico, Puig expressed his satisfaction with Marquez’s victory but admitted he had expected it to come sooner. “I was very happy about Marc’s victory… and I expected it,” said Puig. “But I was surprised by the difference between this year’s Ducati and the 2023 Ducati.”
According to Puig, the performance gap between Ducati’s current and previous models played a crucial role in delaying Marquez’s success. “I think that this difference, which is important, has prevented Marc from winning races in first-third of season,” Puig explained. “And, of course, competition from Pecco Bagnaia, Jorge Martin, and Enea Bastianini, who are all riding at an exceptional level.”
Marquez’s decision to leave Honda came as team struggled at back of grid, a stark contrast to his former dominance. However, Puig believes that Marquez’s decision to ride the older 2023 Ducati has also held him back this season. “Winning with a motorcycle from last-year against the official Ducati riders adds even more merit to Marc’s victory,” Puig noted. “I’ve been in the sport for many years, and the difference between this year’s Ducati and last year’s is significant, making Marc’s achievement in Aragon immense.”
Reflecting on Marquez’s journey and struggles, Puig paid tribute to the rider who once shined as Honda’s brightest star. “I know better than anyone who Marc Marquez is—he’s a rider with beastly capabilities,” Puig said. “Even after his serious accident in Jerez, his injuries, the vision issues, and the struggles with a non-competitive bike, I never doubted that he would win again.”
Puig emphasized that Marquez’s recent win was not merely due to his switch to Ducati or the support of his new team but was a testament to his indomitable spirit. “Marc has won again because of his clarity of purpose,” Puig said. “When you become obsessed with a goal, when you have things as clear as Marc does. And when you have the kind of brutal determination he has. It’s impossible for what you pursue not to happen—especially when it involves a phenomenon like Marc.”
Marquez’s victory at Aragon has reaffirmed his status as one of the sport’s greatest competitors. Showing that even in the face of adversity and significant challenges, his drive and talent remain as fierce as ever.
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