Joan Mir had placed great hopes on the Misano test, expecting Honda to deploy an arsenal of crucial new features for the current season and, above all, for 2025. After missing the San Marino Grand Prix due to severe gastroenteritis, Mir was still there for the test, albeit physically weakened. For him, simply being present on track was already a small victory, after being ill for several days.
However, the result of the tests did not live up to the former world champion's expectations. Ranked 22nd, almost two seconds behind Pecco Bagnaia's best time, Mir did not hide his disappointment: " it was not a positive day, honestly, i expected better. » Although he tested some new features, including aerodynamic solutions and adjustments to the chassis, he regretted that Honda did not bring any real major advances: " The aero package worked well, but I was hoping for more new things to try. »
Mir expressed concern about the lack of significant progress in Honda, a stark contrast to the expectations he had for these trials: " we were in Misano for highly anticipated tests, and I think it's normal to expect more new things to test. » He also expressed concerns about the timeline, noting that there will be no further testing before Valencia, at the end of the season: " This worries me a lot, because we will not have any more opportunities to test before Valencia »
Joan Mir: “ before Honda brought a brand new bike here to Misano and we only tested a few parts »
One of the most surprising elements for Joan Mir during these tests was the introduction of a new ground effect fairing, tested by himself and Luca marini. " This fairing gives the bike a bit more directionality, but I remember that in the past Honda would bring a completely new bike here to Misano. Today we only tested a few parts. Honestly, I think we can do a lot more. »
The pilot also expressed that the factory Honda, both in Japan and in Europe, is aware of its frustration: " Japanese people see the worry on my face, I just hope they continue to work hard and make improvements as soon as possible. »
Honda deployed during test in Misano various aerodynamic, chassis and engine updates, which the drivers were able to evaluate. Johann zarco had stated that the 2024 motorcycle " does not work at all ", reinforcing the importance of this test in preparing for the 2025 season. Among the elements tested also included a ground effect fairing similar to those used by Ducati et Aprilia, with the aim of improving overall performance.
Joan mir concludes hoping that Honda will accelerate its development in the coming months to meet the pressing needs of the team and the riders. But given the results revealed in the past months, we can be concerned about Honda's fate in MotoGP. We will remember that at the end of the San Marino Grand Prix, the 30-year-old partner Repsol confirmed that he was leaving the HRC ship at the end of this sad season.
MotoGP, Misano test: chronos
