**”Joan Mir Faces Uncertain Future: Weighs Honda’s Struggles Against Potential Career Moves”**

Joan Mir repeats: ‘No one leaves Honda in a better state than when they joined’

Joan Mir: "When I joined Honda, I had numerous offers… But now, that's no longer the case."

Francesco Bagnaia, Fabio Quartararo, and Marc Marquez have all secured their spots in MotoGP for 2025. Meanwhile, Joan Mir remains the only current premier-class champion who has not yet determined his plans for the future.

The 2000 champion moved to Repsol Honda following Suzuki’s departure from MotoGP, but the RC213V is still at the bottom of the constructors' rankings, where it has been for the last two years.

Mir has already achieved more than half of the modest 26 points he earned throughout the entire 2023 season. However, he is openly considering whether to continue with the team or to leave Honda, similar to his former teammate Marc Marquez.

Mir has emphasized multiple times that recent Honda riders have left the team in a worse career state than when they joined, although he maintains that no decision has been finalized.

This doesn't seem to indicate much faith in HRC making a swift comeback, and Mir is also considering Marquez's significant improvement after only a few months on an older Gresini Ducati.

"By the time we reach the Dutch TT at the end of June in Assen, I should have a clearer idea of my plans for next season," Mir stated.

"I need to consider all the possibilities before making a decision instead of claiming I know exactly what I want. At this moment, I'm uncertain about my direction."

"I plan to wait until I receive all the offers before making my decision."

Despite being the top Honda rider in the rankings, Mir understands that being placed 18th overall with his highest grand prix finish being 12th (and 9th in a Sprint) will not attract much attention.

“People definitely take the bike you ride into account, but the truth is… As I’ve mentioned before, no one leaves Honda in a better condition than when they joined,” Mir stated.

"When I joined Honda, I had numerous opportunities… But now, the situation is different. I have to wait for those who are currently given priority."

"The reality of the situation is that past achievements don't hold much weight. Currently, there are about 4-5 riders who are delivering results and they are prioritized. We come next in line, among the subsequent group of 5 riders to be signed."

Even though being an ex-MotoGP champion adds significant value?

"Sure, but Marc's worth increased when he transferred to Gresini! Plus, he joined Gresini instead of the main factory team. His value surpasses mine."

However, Marquez is set to join the factory Ducati team in 2025. His performance in only seven races on a Desmosedici has persuaded the Italian company to let go of their current title leader, Jorge Martin.

Mir acknowledged that Marquez’s strategy of revitalizing his career by moving to a satellite team with a reliable bike is something he might consider emulating.

Joan Mir mentioned that he had numerous conversations with Marc about his experiences and current feelings. He noted that he had a potential path to follow based on Marc's example, or alternatively, he could remain in his current situation with Honda. However, Mir expressed uncertainty about which option to choose.

Mir, now 26 years old, is certain that he is not prepared to retire yet, even though he acknowledged having uncertainties about his future following a season filled with injuries.

He responded, "No, I don't believe I'll be heading home. Perhaps I'll consider it later when I receive some offers, but for now, no. I mean, if I manage to get out of this challenging situation at Honda, and I start to be competitive again, my perspective will change entirely."

“If you believe that continuing on the same path will keep you where you belong and where your skills are recognized, that’s understandable. However, everything evolves, and you might find yourself wanting to remain in the same place for another decade. The key is to break free from your current circumstances.”

To put it differently, Mir seems to require concrete evidence of improvement from Honda to remain on an RC213V in 2025.

Despite the factory teams nearly reaching full capacity, just one satellite spot has been confirmed among the leading European MotoGP manufacturers—Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia. This position has been secured by rookie Fermin Aldeguer.

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