**”Joan Mir’s Engine Dilemma: Testing Over Racing Amid Honda’s Performance Struggles”**

Joan Mir: “I’d rather be testing new engines than using this one in the upcoming race!”

Joan Mir: “No, it's not ideal, but given our current circumstances, it’s beneficial. I would choose testing engines over racing with this one in the next event!”

Joan Mir was quite pleased with his performance in the British MotoGP race, but his race was cut short due to an engine problem halfway through.

Since the next upgrade to Honda's engine won't be available until the race in Austria in two weeks, Mir understood that he needed to maximize the performance of the current setup.

This encompasses the updated engine that was launched in Barcelona, which, according to Mir, delivers lower overall performance compared to the original model.

However, in a strategic move akin to 'taking one step back to leap two steps forward later,' Mir, after transitioning to the standard engines for Mugello, has followed his teammate Luca Marini in using the revised, less powerful engine for the last three races.

Takaaki Nakagami from LCR was the sole Honda rider to introduce new engines at Silverstone, resembling the existing Repsol specification. Meanwhile, his teammate Johann Zarco continued with the older version.

It is speculated that all four Honda riders will get engines with a 'new configuration' in Austria, which align with the specifications of the 'Barcelona' engine.

At the same time, following a narrow defeat to Marini by 0.6 seconds for 15th place in the Saturday Sprint, Mir attributed his increased comfort during the Grand Prix to adjustments in the set-up.

The 2020 world champion found himself in 14th position, sandwiched between Marini and Franco Morbidelli from Pramac Ducati, who was making a comeback after two lengthy laps, when his motorcycle suddenly stopped working.

"A technical issue," stated Mir, who sported a Randy Mamola replica helmet along with Honda's vintage design celebrating the 75th anniversary of their participation in motorcycle grand prix racing.

"Dashboard lights came on and I lost power while on the straightaway. It's likely an electrical issue since there was no oil in the bike."

"To be truthful, I felt the most comfortable with the bike throughout the entire weekend."

“I managed to stay very competitive and regain my confidence. I was trailing Luca and keeping an eye on my tyre management, which is crucial at this track, especially since I knew Morbidelli was right behind me."

"When Morbidelli was preparing to pass both Luca and me, I was planning to overtake Luca myself and attempt to pull ahead. However, the lap during which Morbidelli made his move, I encountered an issue."

Similar to Yamaha, Honda has the ability to alter its engine design throughout the season because of certain allowances.

“From my perspective, as I’ve previously mentioned, the current engine setup results in a loss of performance,” Mir stated.

"We observed that Taka faced significant difficulties this weekend with the engine, voicing the same issues that I have with its performance."

"Johann's current setup, featuring the standard 2024 engine, has proven to be the most powerful configuration for me this year."

"However, we became somewhat disoriented with the setup as we experimented with various engine configurations, hoping to make improvements in different areas."

"In conclusion, you can likely achieve better race performance by minimizing adjustments to the bike."

"We made a hundred attempts to change the geometry and other factors, but we still couldn't achieve the additional grip and acceleration we needed."

"So, it's preferable to attempt to get comfortable at the front and aim to maintain a strong pace."

"We reverted somewhat to the configuration I used earlier in the year, which allowed me to be more aggressive at the front. During the race, I was pleased with how it felt."

"Therefore, moving forward, that will likely be my foundation, and I will avoid altering anything."

“I believe that I won't need to make significant adjustments for the other engine that is set to arrive in Austria.”

When questioned about his enjoyment of testing various engines throughout the season, Mir grinned:

"It's not ideal, but given our circumstances, it's actually beneficial… I'd rather be testing engines now than using this one in the upcoming race!"

Zarco is still the leading Honda rider, holding the 18th position in the world championship standings, with Mir and Nakagami right behind him.

After receiving a penalty for low tire pressure post-race at Silverstone, Marini dropped to 23rd place in the standings, holding just one point.

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