Image: Supplied.

Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has announced the appointment of Spaniard Alberto Puig as team manager of the factory Repsol Honda MotoGP team ahead of the 2018 season.

The 50-year-old former grand prix racer will take charge of the team from outgoing former principal Livio Suppo, leading Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa into the new year.

In his new position Puig will report directly to HRC director/general manager race operations, management division Tetsuhiro Kuwata. He and technical manager Takeo Yokoyama will be responsible for racing operations.

“I’m very grateful to HRC for this opportunity they have given me with the Repsol Honda Team,” Puig commented. “I’ve been with Honda for the last 25 years of my professional career, first as a rider, then as a team manager in the smaller classes and lately as a coach for many of the Asian riders Honda have around the world.

“To have the chance to be in this position in one of the most successful teams in the MotoGP championship is a very big honour for me, so I can only focus on giving my best back to Honda and on trying to help them to achieve their goals. I’m sure our riders will be ready when the time comes and we as a team will also be ready to once again fight for the title, with humility but also with great determination.”

Following a racing career that included a 500cc race win and a lengthy stint aboard Hondas, Puig established himself as one of the most respected managers in the motorcycling field. As HRC advisor, his most recent role has been as director of the Asia Talent Cup and British Talent Cup categories.