Market
Jun 18, 2026 Major2
83%
Honda announces Mikihiko Kawase as new Team Manager for MotoGP 2027 era
Honda Racing Corporation has named Mikihiko Kawase as its new MotoGP Team Manager for the 2027 season, replacing Alberto Puig who will become a technical and sports advisor. The leadership change is part of Honda's preparation for major regulatory updates in MotoGP, including smaller-capacity engines and reduced aerodynamics. Kawase, previously Technical Manager, aims to modernize management and restore the team's competitiveness.


/data/photo/2026/06/18/6a33f3e4c151c.jpg)


Quick Facts
Who
Honda Racing Corporation
What
announced leadership change
When
2026-06-18
Where
Japan
- announced leadership change
- appointed new Team Manager
- role transition to advisor
- regulatory changes for 2027
- potential rider lineup overhaul
Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has officially announced that Mikihiko Kawase will replace Alberto Puig as Team Manager of its MotoGP factory team starting in 2027. The change comes as the Japanese manufacturer prepares for the introduction of new MotoGP regulations in 2027, which include smaller-capacity engines and reduced aerodynamic devices. Puig, who has led the team for nearly a decade, will take on a new role as a technical and sports advisor for Honda's MotoGP and WorldSBK programs from 2027 onward.
Alberto Puig, a former Grand Prix rider who raced for Honda in the 1980s and 1990s, became Team Manager in 2018. Under his leadership, Honda achieved back-to-back Triple Crowns in 2018 and 2019 with Marc Marquez, winning the riders', constructors', and teams' championships. However, following Marquez's injury in 2020, Honda struggled to compete with rivals such as Ducati, KTM, Aprilia, and Yamaha, enduring a period without victories and falling from the front of the pack. Puig was instrumental in overseeing a major restructuring of HRC, including recruiting European technical talent and shifting development philosophy.
Mikihiko Kawase, who has been part of Honda's racing projects for many years, previously served as MotoGP Technical Manager after leading the Moto3 project that secured Honda the world championship in 2019. Born in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, Kawase began his career as a racer in small-capacity classes before joining HRC in 2012. He expressed pride in being given the opportunity to lead one of MotoGP's most successful teams, acknowledging Puig as a mentor and advisor over the years. Kawase described the 2027 season as a historic moment, citing the largest regulatory change since MotoGP's shift from two-stroke to four-stroke engines.
Reports also indicate that Honda is planning a full overhaul of its rider lineup for the 2027 season. Current riders Joan Mir and Luca Marini are under contract until the end of 2026 but may not be retained. Speculation links Honda to Fabio Quartararo and young talent David Alonso as potential replacements to lead the team into the new regulatory era.
Why This Matters
This leadership transition signals a strategic shift for Honda as it prepares for MotoGP’s biggest regulatory overhaul since the two-stroke to four-stroke era. For readers, this means the team’s 2027 rider lineup and competitive trajectory are now uncertain, potentially affecting championship dynamics and sponsorship decisions.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2012
WireMikihiko Kawase joined HRC
Jan 1, 2018
WirePuig became Honda MotoGP Team Manager; Honda won Triple Crown
Jan 1, 2019
WireHonda won second consecutive Triple Crown; Kawase-led Moto3 team won championship
Jan 1, 2020
WireMarc Marquez injured; Honda's decline began
Jan 1, 2024
WireKawase promoted to MotoGP Technical Director
Jun 18, 2026
WireHRC announced Puig's departure and Kawase's appointment effective 2027
Jan 1, 2027
WireKawase becomes Team Manager; new MotoGP regulations take effect; possible rider lineup changes