2020 MotoGP World Champion Joan Mir has elected to continue leading the Honda revival, extending his stay with the HRC squad for a further two years.
Mir joined Honda in 2023 following Suzuki’s withdrawal from MotoGP at the end of the 2022 campaign but his maiden season with the Japanese marque was fraught with difficulty.
Multiple crashes and lowly race finishes painted the difficult picture Honda found itself in and that has only continued in 2024.
After finishing 22nd in the 2023 Riders’ standings with just 26 points, Mir’s 2024 campaign doesn’t look much better with 13 points from the first nine rounds of the season.
Honda and its four riders spread across HRC and LCR regularly feature at the back of the field, unable to fight the likes of Ducati, Aprilia, KTM or even fellow strugglers Yamaha.
Still, with factory rides at the European marques all in place, Mir has elected to continue with the HRC Honda team until 2026 and will line up once again with team-mate Luca Marini next term.
“First of all, I am very happy to be able to compete with Honda and HRC for the next two years,” the Spaniard said.
“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.”
HRC President Koji Watanabe added, “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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