Alberto Puig’s Honda MotoGP replacement confirmed

Honda has confirmed its replacement for long-time MotoGP team manager Alberto Puig, who is set to stay with HRC in an advisory role. 

Puig will be replaced by the team’s current MotoGP Technical Manager, Mikihiko Kawase, before moving into his new role next season, where he will oversee the Japanese manufacturer’s MotoGP and WorldSBK projects. 

Kawase was appointed as Honda’s MotoGP technical manager in 2024, and will assume his new position at the start of 2027. Like Puig, Kawase is a former racer himself, having competed in lightweight classes in Japan from 18-27 years of age. 

Kawase moved to HRC in 2012 when he became involved in the company’s Moto3 project. Kawase led Honda to the title in 2019 as the Large Project Leader (LPL). 

Speaking about his new position, Kawase said: 

“I am honoured to have this opportunity to lead a team with this much history and success. I must thank Honda for this opportunity and also Alberto Puig who has already been a great mentor and advisor for many years. 

“The support of both will be crucial to the future success of the team. 2027 will be a landmark year for MotoGP with the biggest changes to rules and regulations since the championship went from two-stroke to four-stroke. Inside Honda we must continue to give our maximum to start this new era strongly and return to fighting at the front.”

The confirmation of Kawase as the new team manager for the HRC Castrol team comes hot on the heels of Trackhouse Racing announcing its new team manager, too. The American-owned team has appointed Francesco Guidotti as its new team manager ahead of Davide Brivio’s departure.

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