Joan Mir at a Crossroads: A MotoGP Champion’s Dilemma With Honda’s Decline and the Search for a New Path

Joan Mir reiterates: 'No one leaves Honda in better shape than when they arrived'

Joan Mir: "Upon joining Honda, I was presented with numerous options… Now, the situation has changed."

Francesco Bagnaia, Fabio Quartararo, and Marc Marquez have all secured their MotoGP spots for 2025, leaving Joan Mir as the sole premier-class champion on the current roster still undecided about his career path.

The champion of the 2000 season transitioned to Repsol Honda following Suzuki's departure from MotoGP, yet the RC213V continues to occupy the bottom position in the constructors' championship, a spot it has held for the last two years.

Mir has already earned around half of the modest 26 points he accumulated throughout the entire 2023 season and is currently contemplating whether to remain committed to the project or emulate his ex-teammate Marc Marquez by leaving Honda.

Despite claiming that a final decision has yet to be reached, Mir has consistently pointed out that riders who have recently joined Honda have all left the team in a less favorable professional situation than before their arrival.

This doesn't seem to express much optimism about HRC making a comeback to the forefront in the near future, and Marquez's remarkable change within just a few months on an older Gresini Ducati model is something Mir is also considering.

"Mir mentioned that by the time the Dutch TT in Assen comes around at the end of June, he should have a clearer idea of his plans for the next season."

"I require a range of choices laid out before me to make a decision, instead of claiming I have a clear direction in mind. Currently, that's not where I stand. I'm uncertain about my path."

"Therefore, I'll hold off until I've received every proposal, and then I'll make my selection."

Despite being the top-performing Honda competitor in the rankings, Mir is aware that his position at 18th overall and a highest Grand Prix placement of 12th (with a 9th in a Sprint) is unlikely to impress anyone.

Mir mentioned, "Obviously, the type of bike you ride matters to people, but truthfully… Something I've always believed is, you leave Honda in a better state than when you joined."

"When I arrived at Honda, I received numerous proposals… But things have changed. Currently, I must bide my time as there are others who are given precedence."

"This somewhat reflects the current situation. Your previous achievements become irrelevant. Presently, it's a different group of riders, perhaps 4 or 5, who are at the forefront, garnering the most attention. We then fall into the category of the following 5 riders in line for consideration."

Despite the advantage of being an ex-MotoGP winner?

"Indeed, Marc's worth increased after his transfer to Gresini! It's important to note that he joined Gresini, not the factory team. Moreover, his value surpasses mine."

Marquez is set to join the official Ducati team in 2025, after his performance in only seven races on a Desmosedici impressed the Italian brand enough to let go of their current frontrunner, Jorge Martin.

Mir acknowledged that Marquez's approach of reviving his career through a move to a satellite team, with a reliable motorcycle, might be a path he could consider.

Mir commented, "I've had numerous conversations with Marc, discussing his experiences from the previous year compared to his current feelings. He presented me with a couple of options: either to follow a certain path he suggested or to remain in my current position at Honda. At this point, I'm undecided."

Mir firmly believes that, despite being 26, he's not prepared to hang up his boots just yet, even though he acknowledged having uncertainties about his career path following a season marred by injuries last year.

"No, I'm not planning on heading home," he remarked. "Perhaps I'll consider it once I receive the offers, but not now… What I mean is, once you begin to regain competitiveness after struggling at Honda, your entire perspective shifts."

"If you believe that continuing as you are now places you where you belong and aligns with your strengths, consider that circumstances evolve and you might wish to remain for another decade. However, the key is to transition away from your current state."

Essentially, it appears that Mir requires evidence of significant advancement from Honda to continue riding an RC213V into 2025.

Despite the limited availability of factory positions, just a single satellite spot, designated for newcomer Fermin Aldeguer, has been confirmed among the leading European MotoGP teams – Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia.

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