Puig hopeful of Honda step forward

Honda are yet to score a victory this year, while rivals Ducati, Yamaha and Suzuki have all being on the top step of the podium.

Puig reckons Honda are still recovering from a mistake in the way they decided to develop their bike this year, but he also claims tyre suppliers Michelin have fallen behind rivals Bridgestone.

The Spaniard, however, is hopeful both Honda and Michelin will be able to deliver what's needed to start winning.

"Honda chose a line of development that, for a while, was not the right one," Puig was quoted as saying by Marca newspaper. "Also Bridgestone has taken an important step forward.

"That's two factors adding up: the bike and the tyres. Now we have to take a significant step forward to match them (our rivals).

"We trust both Honda and Michelin will react and will give us what we need."

Puig believes Pedrosa would be fighting on top in every race if he had a more competitive package.

"With a better tuned bike and a little improvement from the tyres, he will be right where he should be," said Puig of Pedrosa, who finished second in last weekend's Italian Grand Prix.

The Spanish rider also believes Honda are still in need of a push to fight on top.

"At the moment I worry more about my bike than about my rivals," Pedrosa told Gazzetta dello Sport. "You can't say that my bike has reached the level of our competitors. We have the advantage in a certain area, while others in a different one."