Repsol Honda Manager Alberto Puig: Joan Mir And Alex Rins Called Us After Suzuki Decided To Withdraw From MotoGP

Suzuki Ecstar driver, Joan Mir. (Doc, MotoGP)

JAKARTA - Repsol Honda (HRC) team manager Alberto Puig confirmed his team had made contact with two Suzuki riders, Joan Mir and Alex Rins. He said this was the effect of Suzuki's decision to withdraw from MotoGP.

With Suzuki's situation, Alex Rins and Joan Mir certainly have to find a new team for MotoGP 2023. Of course, this has an effect on all teams in MotoGP.

"I think that (Suzuki's decision) has changed, not only for us but for everyone and the team," said Alberto Puig, quoted from MotoGP.com.

"There were Joan Mir and Alex Rins available (without a team) in the transfer market, it was completely unexpected. Now there will be more riders and less bikes."

"When Mir and Rins got the news that Suzuki pulled out, I think they contacted everyone and the team. They contacted us. If a rider wants to talk to Honda, we listen," said Puig.

Puig said that there was an offer from both Mir and Rins. However, he stressed, will not make a decision in the near future.

"To be honest, our policy has not changed at all. We have decided a long time ago that this year we will see and wait a little longer," said Puig.

"Look at the market, think about the possibilities, look at the young riders, look at the drivers we already have. We will not rush to decide," he continued.

The Repsol Honda boss added, "Mir and Rins only add two more options, but the way we deal with what we want next year was planned before the Suzuki news. That doesn't change the strategy."