Honda's Hopes for MotoGP Concessions Dented by Mir-Marini Collision in Valencia

Valencia, Spain – Honda’s pursuit of improved concessions in the MotoGP World Championship suffered a significant setback during the Saturday sprint race at the Valencia Grand Prix, after a collision between factory riders Joan Mir and Luca Marini resulted in both racers retiring from the event, placing considerable pressure on the team to secure the necessary points in Sunday’s main race.

The incident occurred on the second lap of the sprint, with Mir, the 2020 MotoGP World Champion, losing control of his Honda RC213V and colliding with his teammate Marini. Both riders were unable to continue, leaving Honda without any points from the sprint race. This zero-point score significantly complicates Honda’s objective of accumulating nine points over the Valencia weekend to advance from Group D to Group C concessions, which would grant them increased testing and development opportunities.

Concessions Explained:

The MotoGP concessions system was implemented to provide struggling manufacturers with additional support to improve their competitiveness. The system divides manufacturers into groups (A, B, C, and D) based on performance criteria, including podium finishes and championship points. Group D, the lowest tier, receives the most extensive concessions, including:

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Unlimited testing with contracted riders
Six wildcard entries per season
Engine development freeze exceptions

Honda, currently in Group D, aims to move to Group C, which offers fewer benefits but signifies improved performance. Escaping Group D would mean a reduction in testing opportunities and a freeze on engine development during the season. However, both Honda’s management and riders have expressed a desire to relinquish these concessions, viewing it as a sign of progress and a necessary step towards returning to the top of the sport.

Mir’s Apology and Team’s Perspective:

Following the collision, Joan Mir issued an apology to his teammate and the team. "It’s something that you never want to happen," Mir stated. "I’m sorry for him, I’m sorry for the team, because it’s not something that I’m used to doing, things like this. It was my mistake, but it was not a crazy maneuver."

The incident occurred as Mir was attempting to recover ground after losing positions on the opening lap. He had qualified in 10th place, while Marini started from 13th. Both riders were outside the points-scoring positions when the collision occurred.

Johann Zarco, riding for the independent LCR Honda team, finished the sprint race in 10th place, just outside the points. His performance was not enough to compensate for the factory team’s zero score. Somkiat Chantra, the second LCR Honda rider, is considered an unlikely candidate to secure the necessary points in Sunday’s race. Aleix Espargaro, a development rider for Aprilia, is ineligible to score points due to his wildcard status.

Sunday’s Challenge:

The responsibility of securing the required points now falls on Mir, Marini, or Zarco in the final race of the season. Each rider must achieve at least a seventh-place finish to secure the points needed for Honda to advance to Group C concessions. However, Mir faces an additional challenge as he will have to serve a long-lap penalty during the race, further complicating his chances.

Mir acknowledged the increased pressure, stating, "If you asked me on Thursday if there would be a problem to make nine points or something like this, I would have said, ‘probably not.’ But now I have to do a good race tomorrow to try to lose [concessions]." He added, "This weekend, we’ve had more problems than we expected. Myself, my teammates, we are struggling more than we expected on this track. That’s the reality."

Honda’s Season Performance and Future Outlook:

Honda’s 2023 MotoGP season has been challenging, marked by a lack of competitiveness and consistent results. The team has struggled to adapt to the current technical regulations, and their riders have faced difficulties in extracting the maximum performance from the RC213V.

The departure of Marc Marquez, a six-time MotoGP World Champion, from the Repsol Honda team at the end of the season adds another layer of complexity to Honda’s situation. Marquez’s move to the Gresini Ducati team leaves a significant void in Honda’s lineup and raises questions about the team’s future competitiveness.

Despite the current challenges, Honda remains committed to improving its MotoGP program. The team is investing heavily in research and development, and they are working to attract top talent to fill the void left by Marquez’s departure. The outcome of Sunday’s race will significantly influence Honda’s trajectory for the 2024 season and beyond. Gaining Group C concessions could provide a boost to development with fewer restrictions.

Historical Context:

The Valencia circuit holds a special place in Joan Mir’s career, as it was the site of his 2020 MotoGP World Championship victory. However, the current circumstances present a different kind of pressure, as he carries the weight of Honda’s concessions quest on his shoulders.

Rider Profiles and Season Statistics:

Joan Mir: The 26-year-old Spaniard joined Repsol Honda in 2023 after previously riding for Suzuki. His best result this season has been a 5th place finish. Mir has struggled to adapt to the Honda bike, and his season has been marred by crashes and inconsistent performances.
Luca Marini: The 26-year-old Italian rider is in his rookie season with Repsol Honda. Marini joined the factory team after spending multiple seasons with VR46 Racing Team. His best result this year has been a 8th place finish.
Johann Zarco: The 33-year-old Frenchman joined LCR Honda in 2024, previously riding for Pramac Ducati. A veteran of the sport, Zarco is known for his consistent performances and strong race pace.
Somkiat Chantra: The 24-year-old Thai rider is the second LCR Honda rider. He is primarily known for his Moto2 experience.

Valencia Grand Prix Schedule and Broadcast Information:

The Valencia Grand Prix will conclude on Sunday with the main race. The race is scheduled to start at 14:00 local time (GMT+1). Television broadcast schedules vary by region; fans are advised to check their local listings for details.

Concluding Remarks:

Honda’s quest for MotoGP concessions has taken an unexpected turn following the Mir-Marini collision in Valencia. The team now faces a critical challenge in Sunday’s race, with the pressure mounting on its riders to deliver the necessary points. The outcome will have significant implications for Honda’s future competitiveness and its ability to regain its position as a leading force in MotoGP.