Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has extended its partnership with Joan Mir for a further two seasons, confirming his position within the factory MotoGP team until the end of the 2026 campaign. Despite encountering challenges since joining the team in 2023, Mir and Honda remain committed to the project's long-term success. The 2025 season will see Mir partnered with Luca Marini once again, with the added support of test riders Stefan Bradl and the recently retired Aleix Espargaro. Honda currently occupies the bottom position in the 2024 MotoGP championship standings, facing a significant points deficit compared to Yamaha. As the manufacturer strives to regain its competitive edge, the extension of Mir’s contract signifies the team's confidence in his ability to contribute to its resurgence.
President of Honda Racing Corporation Koji Watanabe said: "I am very happy to be able to compete in MotoGP with Joan Mir for two years from 2025. This has been a tough season for Honda and HRC, unlike anything they have ever experienced before. Even in these circumstances, Mir has trusted the team, and we are very grateful for his attitude of never giving up and fighting at any time. We, along with Mir, would like to work together with all the stakeholders to make a comeback and do our best to meet the expectations of our fans as soon as possible. Once again, thank you to all the fans who always support us. We look forward to your continued support."
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Joan Mir said: "First of all, I am very happy to be able to compete with Honda and HRC for the next two years. It was my goal to continue this partnership and this time I have been able to achieve it. HRC and I have been in partnership since 2023, and as we continue to do so, I believe that by continuing to input my opinions to HRC, I can contribute to improving the RC213V. I know what I need to do and I know what Honda can achieve, so I hope that we can both achieve it. We will continue to work hard for the future for the remainder of this season."
MotoGP: Honda’s New Hiring
A former Moto3 and MotoGP World Champion, Joan Mir brought a wealth of experience to the Repsol Honda Team when he joined in 2023. His impressive career, marked by 12 race wins and 33 podium finishes, speaks volumes about the abilities of the Spanish rider
While the current season has presented challenges, Mir's performance has remained consistently strong compared to other Honda riders. Outshining his teammates, he has made himself as a pivotal asset to the HRC. His role extends beyond race day, as his insights and feedback are invaluable in the development of the Honda motorcycle.
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Also, in a strategic move to boost their MotoGP development, Honda has enlisted veteran rider Aleix Espargaro. Known for his key role in improving Aprilia's RS-GP from a backmarker to a race winner, Espargaro is expected to bring valuable insights and experience to help address the issues with Honda’s RC213V.
Although Espargaro will retire from full-time racing, he will team up with test rider Stefan Bradl to support Honda’s current factory riders, Joan Mir and Luca Marini. This collaboration aims to enhance Honda’s MotoGP performance and utilize Espargaro’s expertise to advance development.
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