Let's talk MotoGP: Joan Mir is in very bad shape

Joan Mir, official Honda driver who has just signed for two more years, is currently in a very delicate position. This is illustrated in particular by an unflattering statistic, which nevertheless did not discourage the formerly prestigious Japanese firm from extending it.

 

Like his team

 

Joan Mir's start to the season was not disappointing given the context, that's a fact; without being transcendent either. Currently first Honda rider in the standings, he is only a short head ahead of Johann Zarco, but comfortably beats his teammate Luca Marini. I already talked about the situation at Honda recently, in an article that you can find by clicking here. So, let's focus more on this statistic which should have alerted employers.

Joan Mir is the driver who gave up most often. With four blank results in nine Sunday races, he did worse than all his comrades. It's a shame because he is the only one at Honda to have entered the top 10 (during a Sprint, but still). He pushes a lot more than a Zarco for example, even if it means falling. This, in my opinion, penalizes him greatly because he deprives himself of driving time, while he has nothing to gain by fighting so ardently for an 11th position at the finish.

 

 

In addition, the chances of getting injured increase considerably with this unnecessary risk-taking itself.. Remember that last year he missed a lot of races due to his injuries.

 

An (equally) disappointing signing?

 

What to think of its renewal? First, let's deal with it from Joan Mir's point of view. For him, this represents a good opportunity to continue MotoGP, and undoubtedly for a good salary. We know the financial strength of Honda, which does not mean that it will translate on the track. Then, this also shows that he was not of much interest to the other teams on the grid, despite his world title dating from less than five years ago. Everything is happening so quickly at the highest level.

I could see him finding a good handlebar, perhaps at Gresini Racing instead of Alex Marquez for example. It was legitimate, in my opinion, to claim such ambitions. Instead of assured good results, an extension at Honda Repsol ensures a certain continuity for him who has known about the project since 2023, but little hope. Given the dynamics at Honda, there is nothing to rejoice about, especially since it seems unlikely to benefit from a new redesigned machine three years from changing the regulations.

 

A good move from Honda?

 

 

Honda, as usual for five years, is not taking any risks. Joan Mir hasn't brought much to the RC213V so far; you could almost say that he was better at it last year. Of course, I actually think that there weren't many other solutions on the market when we remember the hassle it was, in Valencia last year, to find a driver to replace Marc Mark. Joan Mir has the feeling of a double world champion, it's true, but can he really turn Honda around with this philosophy, which consists of pushing to pick up a few points here and there? Personally, I find Johann Zarco's approach (and that of Luca Marini, although he is naturally slower) much more relevant.

 

Conclusion

 

In short, I find it to be as anecdotal as possible, for both parties. The real questions are here: What does Honda gain by keeping Joan Mir for two more seasons? And what does Joan Mir gain by staying at Honda for two more seasons, if not a definitive exit at the end of 2026 – in the event that he does not suffer a serious injury?

And you know what, I’m going to let you answer it for me in the comments!

As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.

 

 

Cover photo: Honda Repsol