Mir Hails Honda Engine Progress After Overtaking Ducati at Sepang

SEPANG, Malaysia – Joan Mir, the 2020 MotoGP World Champion, expressed his satisfaction with the strides made by Honda’s engine development program after successfully overtaking Fermin Aldeguer’s Ducati on the main straight during the Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit. Mir’s remarks underscore the ongoing efforts by Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) to regain competitiveness in the premier class of motorcycle racing.

The Malaysian Grand Prix saw Mir secure a podium finish, claiming third position behind Gresini Racing’s Alex Marquez and Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 rookie Pedro Acosta. Francesco Bagnaia, the reigning world champion, was forced to retire late in the race due to a puncture, altering the final standings.

Mir, starting from seventh on the grid, executed an aggressive maneuver on the second lap, positioning his RC213V inside Aldeguer’s Ducati at the final corner. This setup a high-speed drag race down the start/finish straight, where Mir managed to edge ahead before strategically moving across at Turn 1 to complete the overtake.

Historically, Honda’s MotoGP machines have struggled with top speed, a significant disadvantage in modern MotoGP. However, recent upgrades and modifications to the RC213V’s engine have yielded tangible improvements, allowing Honda riders to close the gap to their rivals in terms of outright speed.

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During the race, Mir recorded a joint-highest speed of 333.3 km/h in the speed trap. In the qualifying session, both Mir and LCR Honda rider Johann Zarco achieved speeds of 338.5 km/h, closely matching the top speeds recorded by KTM riders.

Mir acknowledged the progress made, stating, "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. 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."

Since introducing an upgraded package following the summer break, Honda has demonstrated improved performance. At the San Marino Grand Prix, Luca Marini achieved a strong fourth-place finish in the sprint race, while Mir secured a podium finish at Honda’s home race in Japan.

Mir, who joined the factory Honda team in 2023 following Suzuki’s departure from MotoGP, noted the progress made since his arrival. He explained, "I can attack the front more, I can turn the bike more going into the corners. 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."

Mir emphasized the importance of the long-term development strategy, stating, "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."

Background: Honda’s MotoGP Struggles and Recovery Efforts

Honda’s recent struggles in MotoGP have been well-documented. Once a dominant force in the championship, the Japanese manufacturer has faced challenges in adapting to the evolving technical landscape of the sport. The RC213V, while still a potent machine in the hands of skilled riders, has lacked the outright speed and agility of its European rivals, particularly the Ducati and KTM motorcycles.

The departure of Marc Marquez, Honda’s star rider, to Gresini Racing in 2024 further compounded the team’s difficulties. Marquez, a six-time MotoGP world champion, had consistently extracted the maximum performance from the RC213V, often masking its shortcomings. His move left a void in the team’s rider lineup, placing greater pressure on Mir and other Honda riders to deliver results.

In response to these challenges, HRC has intensified its efforts to improve the RC213V’s performance. The upgraded package introduced after the summer break included modifications to the engine, chassis, and aerodynamics. These changes were aimed at increasing the bike’s top speed, improving its handling in corners, and enhancing its overall competitiveness.

The results of these efforts have been encouraging. Mir’s podium finish in Japan and his strong performance in Malaysia demonstrate that Honda is making progress in closing the gap to its rivals. However, the team still faces significant challenges in order to return to its former position as a championship contender.

Rider Performance and Team Dynamics

Joan Mir’s arrival at Honda in 2023 was seen as a significant step in the team’s rebuilding process. The 2020 world champion brought with him a wealth of experience and a proven ability to extract the maximum performance from his machinery. However, Mir has faced challenges in adapting to the RC213V, which is known for its demanding riding style.

Despite these challenges, Mir has demonstrated flashes of brilliance, consistently scoring points and providing valuable feedback to the team’s engineers. His podium finish in Japan was a significant milestone, marking Honda’s first podium since the 2022 season.

Luca Marini, who joined Honda in 2024, has also shown promise. The Italian rider, known for his smooth riding style and technical expertise, has been working closely with the team to improve the RC213V’s setup. His strong fourth-place finish in the sprint race at San Marino was a testament to his progress.

Johann Zarco, riding for the LCR Honda satellite team, has also contributed to Honda’s development efforts. The experienced French rider has been providing valuable data and feedback to the team, helping them to identify areas for improvement.

The combined efforts of Mir, Marini, and Zarco, along with the dedication of HRC’s engineers, have been instrumental in Honda’s recent progress. However, the team recognizes that there is still much work to be done in order to return to the top of MotoGP.

Upcoming Challenges and Future Prospects

As the 2024 MotoGP season draws to a close, Honda faces several challenges in its quest to regain competitiveness. The team must continue to develop the RC213V, addressing its remaining weaknesses and enhancing its strengths. Honda must also attract and retain top talent, ensuring that it has a strong rider lineup capable of challenging for race wins and championships.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Honda is expected to introduce a new generation of the RC213V. This new machine will incorporate the latest technological advancements and reflect the team’s ongoing efforts to improve its performance. Honda is also likely to make changes to its rider lineup, potentially bringing in new talent to complement its existing riders.

Despite the challenges ahead, Honda remains committed to MotoGP and determined to return to its former position as a championship contender. With its vast resources, experienced engineers, and dedicated riders, Honda has the potential to once again become a dominant force in the premier class of motorcycle racing.

Statistical Overview

Joan Mir: 2020 MotoGP World Champion, joined Honda in 2023.
Luca Marini: Joined Honda in 2024.
Johann Zarco: Rides for LCR Honda satellite team.
Honda’s Last Podium Finish Before Japan 2024: 2022 season.
Top Speed Recorded by Mir at Sepang: 333.3 km/h.
Top Speed Recorded by Mir and Zarco in Qualifying: 338.5 km/h.
Key Areas for Improvement: Top speed, cornering agility, grip on low-grip tracks.

Next Race: The final race of the 2024 MotoGP season will be held at Valencia, Spain. Honda will be looking to build on its recent progress and end the season on a positive note. The team will also be using the Valencia race as an opportunity to gather data and prepare for the 2025 season.