Talent Cup chief favourite to be Honda boss

Suppo had been at the helm of the Honda operation since he joined from Ducati in 2010, but announced on Monday after the 2017 season finale that he is leaving both the team and series with immediate effect.

Puig is a former motorcycle racer who won the 500cc Spanish Grand Prix in 1995, and has helped several riders to MotoGP since, including Casey Stoner, Dani Pedrosa and Toni Elias.

He served as Pedrosa's agent during the current Honda rider's 125cc and double 250cc titles between 2003 and 2005, and continued to represent him until 2013.

Puig has been further involved in talent development by overseeing the Asian Talent Cup as well as the British Talent Cup, which kicks off next year.

Autosport understands he has become the favoured choice for the position because of his experience and connections in MotoGP.

Tetsuhiro Kuwata, general director of Honda Racing Corporation, has only stated that the decision on Suppo's replacement will be announced post-winter.

Honda's four-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez applauded Suppo's work during the five years he spent with the team.

"In five years we won four titles, that means we did something well," said Marquez.

"It is sad to see him go because I got along well with him.

"But if Honda decided to make changes, I have full confidence in them."