Repsol Honda team manager analyses Marc Márquez and Dani Pedrosa’s performances at the Catalan GP, and gives his view from the garage.
The Catalan GP this past weekend saw Marc Márquez take another podium and Dani Pedrosa place fifth at the Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit. The reigning MotoGP World Champion thus extended his advantage in the overall standings to 27 points over his nearest rival. His teammate, who was further down the order off the start, made a great comeback to finish in a positive fifth place. Repsol Honda team manager Alberto Puig talks about the performance from both his riders.
WHAT WAS THE STRATEGY FOR THE CATALAN RACE?
“We had to understand how the tyres worked because our riders Marc [Márquez] and Dani [Pedrosa] both started with differents tyres. It was tough because Ducati was fast here. Our strategy was try to keep the tyres in good shape until the end.”
THE POSITIVE POINTS AND NEGATIVE POINTS AFTER THE RACE?
“Dani didn’t start from a great grid position, but after a good start he improved his situation a lot. Marc kept his position at the top of the championship and one of his most important competitors Dovizioso did not finish the race.”
THE VIEW FROM PIT WALL DURING THE RACE?
“A race like this is always very difficult because it depends what’s happening with the tyres and also with the weather, because the track temperature was high. But overall we got a great result for Honda, with Marc second, Crutchlow fourth and Dani fifth.”
THE INSIDE STORY APART FROM OFFICIAL COMMENTS?
“This weekend has been a big tribute for Andreas Perez, the young rider who passed away last week. We also remembered Luis Salom, who now has a big mural in his memory at turn 13.”
