Joan Mir Hails Honda's Engine Progress After Sepang Overtake

SEPANG, Malaysia – Joan Mir, the 2020 MotoGP World Champion, expressed satisfaction with the advancements made by Honda’s engine development program after successfully overtaking Fermin Aldeguer’s Ducati during the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit. The factory HRC rider secured his second podium finish in four races, claiming third place behind Gresini Racing’s Alex Marquez, who secured the victory, and Red Bull GasGas Tech3 rookie Pedro Acosta. Francesco Bagnaia, the reigning champion, was forced to retire late in the race due to a puncture.

Mir, starting from seventh on the grid, executed a decisive move on Aldeguer at the final corner on lap 2, positioning his RC213V on the inside as both riders navigated the edge of the track. This maneuver set up a drag race down the start/finish straight, where Mir’s Honda edged ahead, allowing him to complete the pass into Turn 1.

Honda’s historical struggles with top speed have been a significant impediment in recent MotoGP seasons. However, recent upgrades to the RC213V’s engine have begun to yield tangible results, signaling a potential shift in the manufacturer’s competitive trajectory.

During the race, Mir clocked a joint-highest speed of 333.3 km/h in the speed trap. In qualifying, both Mir and LCR Honda rider Johann Zarco achieved a top speed of 338.5 km/h, narrowly trailing Acosta’s KTM.

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Acknowledging that there were mitigating circumstances, Mir emphasized that the overtake on Aldeguer demonstrated the progress Honda has made on the engine front. "We don’t have a new engine, so this is the reality a bit. It’s true that Aldeguer’s bike is not the fastest Ducati," he stated. "In the past, we just dreamed to follow, and now we are able to have a chance. We are just improving. To overtake one Ducati on the straight makes me proud."

Honda has shown improved competitiveness since the introduction of an upgraded package after the summer break. LCR Honda’s Luca Marini secured a strong fourth-place finish in the sprint race in Hungary, while Mir’s podium finish at Honda’s home race in Japan marked a significant milestone.

Mir acknowledged that Honda still faces challenges in certain areas, but noted the progress made since he joined the factory team in 2023 following Suzuki’s departure from MotoGP. "I can attack the front more, I can turn the bike more going into the corners," he explained. "But it’s true that we have some limitations on that, because then in terms of grip, we always struggle. And on tracks with low grip, it becomes difficult. We are [working] a bit on that, to try to improve that for next year, to have a competitive package."

The 2023 season has been a challenging one for Mir, who has struggled to adapt to the Honda RC213V after spending his entire MotoGP career with Suzuki. He has faced numerous crashes and injuries, hindering his ability to consistently perform at his best. However, the recent improvements to the bike and his podium finish in Malaysia suggest that he is finally starting to find his form with Honda.

Mir’s move to Honda was initially met with high expectations, given his status as a former world champion. However, the transition has proven to be more difficult than anticipated, as he has had to contend with a vastly different machine and a team undergoing significant restructuring.

The Honda RC213V has been criticized in recent years for its lack of competitiveness, particularly in terms of engine power and handling. This has led to a decline in the team’s overall performance, with riders struggling to challenge for podiums and race wins.

Honda’s commitment to improving the bike is evident in the recent upgrades, which have focused on enhancing the engine’s power output and improving the bike’s overall balance. These changes appear to be paying dividends, as evidenced by Mir’s improved performance and the team’s recent podium finishes.

The Sepang race was marked by several notable events, including Alex Marquez’s dominant victory, Pedro Acosta’s impressive podium finish, and Francesco Bagnaia’s unfortunate retirement. Marquez, riding for the Gresini Racing team, secured his first win of the season, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in MotoGP.

Acosta, the reigning Moto2 world champion, continued to impress in his rookie season, showcasing his talent and potential with a well-deserved podium finish. The young Spaniard has quickly adapted to the demands of MotoGP, consistently challenging more experienced riders and demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level.

Bagnaia’s retirement was a setback for the Ducati rider, who had been leading the championship standings. The puncture forced him to relinquish his lead, allowing his rivals to close the gap in the title race.

The Malaysian Grand Prix also witnessed strong performances from other riders, including Fabio Quartararo, who finished fourth, and Enea Bastianini, who secured fifth place. Quartararo, the 2021 world champion, has struggled to replicate his past success in recent seasons, but his fourth-place finish in Sepang suggests that he is starting to regain his form.

Bastianini, riding for the factory Ducati team, has also faced challenges in recent months, but his fifth-place finish in Malaysia was a positive step forward. The Italian rider is known for his aggressive riding style and his ability to extract the maximum performance from his machine.

The MotoGP season is now entering its final stages, with only a few races remaining. The championship battle is expected to intensify as the riders vie for the title. Bagnaia remains the favorite, but his rivals, including Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi, are determined to challenge him for the crown.

The upcoming races will be crucial in determining the outcome of the championship. The riders will need to be at their best, both physically and mentally, to compete at the highest level and secure valuable points.

The MotoGP paddock is also eagerly anticipating the 2024 season, which promises to be even more competitive with the arrival of new riders and the introduction of new technologies. Several teams are expected to undergo significant changes, with riders switching teams and manufacturers unveiling new bikes.

The future of MotoGP looks bright, with a new generation of talented riders emerging and the sport continuing to evolve and innovate. The championship remains one of the most exciting and challenging forms of motorsport, attracting millions of fans worldwide.

Looking ahead, Mir emphasized the importance of continued development and collaboration within the Honda team. "But we have to be super happy with all the work that we’ve done from the three years that I’ve been in Honda," he said. "It’s not something about the short term, it’s about the work of the long term; giving information to engineers, working together, trying to build up a competitive package. And now we have to enjoy the moment."

Mir’s comments reflect a sense of optimism and determination within the Honda camp, as they strive to return to the forefront of MotoGP competition. The team’s commitment to innovation and development, coupled with the talent and experience of its riders, suggests that Honda is poised to make significant strides in the coming seasons. The overtake on the Ducati at Sepang, while perhaps symbolic, represents a step in the right direction for the Japanese manufacturer as it seeks to reclaim its former glory in the premier class of motorcycle racing. The data collected from this race, and the continued feedback from riders like Mir and Zarco, will be crucial in guiding the future development of the RC213V and ensuring that Honda remains a competitive force in MotoGP.