Joan Mir, the factory Honda rider, has articulated a surge in his expectations for the upcoming Portuguese Grand Prix, buoyed by his recent podium finish at the Malaysian Grand Prix, a circuit historically challenging for the Honda RC213V. The Spaniard’s third-place finish in Sepang not only marked his second podium in the last four races but also underscored the notable progress made by Honda in addressing the bike’s weaknesses.

"It’s true that the expectations on this track are normally a little bit higher than at Sepang, I think," Mir stated during the Thursday press conference at Portimao, the venue for the Portuguese race. "Sepang is historically a track where we struggle…and we were able to do a good weekend [there]. So I think that here…why not? I think our confidence is at the best possible level of the season."

Mir’s confidence stems from the recent advancements made to the Honda RC213V, particularly in addressing the long-standing issues related to top speed and acceleration. Reflecting on his performance in Malaysia, the 2020 world champion attributed his improved form to a renewed sense of purpose and the bike’s increasing competitiveness. "Honestly, when you have the option of fighting for something that is worth it, you always give something more, no? I think that’s unconsciously something that is happening to us at the moment," he explained. "We are able to give something more because we are in a good mood and we know that if we do a perfect weekend we are able to achieve some very good results."

However, Mir tempered expectations by suggesting that a shift in riding style might be necessary to maintain consistency in the remaining races. While acknowledging the excitement generated by his aggressive, sideways-on riding style in Malaysia, he emphasized the need for a more measured approach. "I hope that the [fans] enjoy it from the outside. I’m enjoying it too, but to find that consistency, probably we need to slow down a bit!" he admitted. "It’s not possible to attack at 120% all race long, so we have to work a bit on that. We have to try to be a little bit more calm, with a bit more margin. I think that will give us more consistency and this is what we have to find in the last two races."

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Mir also elaborated on the specific improvements made to the Honda RC213V’s engine, highlighting the significant gains in top speed and torque delivery. "Well, it’s true that in the past we had a lack of top speed and lack of acceleration that was part of the failure that we were living. We worked a lot on that – not just on the top speed side but also on the torque delivery and how the engine was working," he said. "From last year to this year at the beginning of the year was the biggest step. And then during the season, we were receiving some upgrades so that everything on the bike was able to work together better."

Honda’s progress in addressing its engine deficiencies has been a key factor in the team’s improved performance in recent races. The upgrades implemented throughout the season have not only increased the bike’s top speed but also enhanced its overall handling and responsiveness. This has allowed Mir and his teammate, Luca Marini, to extract more performance from the RC213V and compete more effectively against their rivals.

Luca Marini, who has also demonstrated promising speed in recent races, echoed Mir’s optimism ahead of the Portuguese Grand Prix. "Yes, it will be very interesting here because [Portugal] was the second race at the beginning of the last season, so the progress that we made until now is unbelievable. It will just be a pleasure to ride the bike now on this track, which is amazing," Marini stated. "I’m aiming for a good result…we have done a very good second half of the season, so [I’ll] just keep working to achieve the kind of result we did in these last races."

The Portuguese Grand Prix marks the penultimate race of the MotoGP season, with the Valencia finale following closely behind. Both Mir and Marini are eager to capitalize on their recent momentum and secure strong results in the remaining races. For Mir, a podium finish in Portugal would further solidify his position as one of Honda’s leading riders and provide a significant boost to the team’s morale. Marini, meanwhile, is determined to break through and achieve his first podium of the season, demonstrating his potential as a future star in the sport.

Honda’s performance in Portugal will be closely scrutinized by fans and analysts alike, as the team seeks to build on its recent progress and lay the foundation for a successful 2025 season. The upgrades implemented throughout the current season have shown promise, but further development is needed to close the gap to the leading manufacturers. With Mir and Marini at the helm, Honda is confident that it can return to its former glory and once again challenge for the MotoGP world championship.

Joan Mir’s career trajectory has been marked by both triumph and adversity. After securing the MotoGP world championship in 2020 with Suzuki, Mir faced a challenging period following his move to Honda in 2023. The transition to a new team and a drastically different motorcycle proved difficult, and Mir struggled to adapt to the RC213V’s unique characteristics. However, his recent resurgence suggests that he is finally finding his rhythm with Honda, and his podium finish in Malaysia is a testament to his resilience and determination.

Luca Marini, on the other hand, is still relatively new to the Honda factory team, having joined in 2024. The Italian rider has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, but consistency has been an issue. Marini’s potential is undeniable, and with more experience and further development of the RC213V, he is expected to become a major contender in the years to come.

The Portuguese Grand Prix presents a unique set of challenges for both riders and teams. The Portimao circuit is known for its undulating layout, blind corners, and demanding braking zones. These factors combine to create a physically and mentally taxing race that requires precision, skill, and a deep understanding of the bike’s capabilities.

As the MotoGP season draws to a close, the pressure is on for Honda to deliver strong results and demonstrate that its investment in the sport is paying off. The team’s performance in Portugal and Valencia will be critical in shaping its future direction and attracting top talent for the 2025 season. With Joan Mir and Luca Marini leading the charge, Honda is determined to end the year on a high note and enter the off-season with renewed optimism and a clear vision for the future.

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