Starting from the next season, Mikihiko Kawase will take over as team director of Honda in the MotoGP championship, replacing Alberto Puig, who will leave his role at the end of the current season. The change has been officially announced by the Japanese manufacturer after months of preparations.
Puig, who has led Honda’s MotoGP project for nine years, will move to an advisory position starting in 2027, aiming to reduce his involvement in the daily management of the team. This change represents a new chapter in Honda’s history, which seeks to adapt to future challenges under new leadership.
Honda had initially opted for a temporary solution, generating some confusion with the arrival of Davide Brivio, who will focus more on marketing and business development than on team management. Ultimately, the decision to appoint Kawase has been seen as the most logical, given his extensive technical background and experience within the organization.
Kawase, who began his career as a rider in small motorcycle competitions, was recruited by Honda after working with various component suppliers. His career includes a prominent role in the Moto3 team, where he contributed to winning the world championship in 2019 with Lorenzo Dalla Porta, and more recently has held the position of technical director of MotoGP since 2024.
The new director expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead a team with such a rich history and successes. He also hopes to have the support of Puig and the organization, especially now that one of the most significant regulatory changes in the competition is approaching.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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