JOAN MIR SAYS HONDA MUST KEEP DEVELOPING ITS 2026 BIKE DESPITE 2027 FOCUS

Joan Mir says Honda should not treat the remainder of the 2026 MotoGP season as a “throwaway” period while the factory concentrates on its next-generation plans. Speaking at Silverstone, the 2020 world champion—who is confirmed to switch to Gresini Ducati for the new 850cc/Pirelli era—acknowledged the logic behind focusing development on the upcoming 2027 machine, but argued that results this year still matter.

Mir said Honda’s challenge is that it has not been able to bring the same level of new performance as its rivals. “Last year, I think we did a great job all together to shorten the distance compared to our rivals,” he said. “Probably working more than them, working hard to try to put everything on the table.” But he added that in 2026 Honda has had less opportunity to introduce new parts and ideas: “This year, because of the new regulations next year and everything… We didn't get as much as last year in terms of new stuff and new things.”

According to Mir, the competitive gap has widened as other teams have advanced. “Probably the others made one step forward, and that puts us in a slightly worse situation than, I would say, the last part of last year,” he explained. He referenced his own late-season form, when he was able to finish on the podium twice in the final races, and said the current package has cost them performance. “So, I feel that we lost a bit of performance compared to our competitors. If we want to reverse the situation, we have to work a little bit harder to try new things that allow us to have a better package.”

Mir also addressed the argument that resources should be shifted entirely toward the future bike. “I think it's a balance,” he said. “It's true that everybody has to be focused on next year, but also this year is not less important than next year. So, we all want to score good results, and there is a balance.”

He suggested that improvements made to the current RC213V could still pay dividends beyond 2026. Mir pointed out that Honda’s aero package remains the same as last year, and he highlighted fast corners and mechanical grip as key issues. “Our aero package is the same one as last year,” he said. “And also, the fast corners are a little bit of an issue for us. Here [at Silverstone], we have a lot, and the mechanical grip is still an issue. So, if we don't improve the mechanical grip and the aero, it will be hard, no?”

Mir cautioned against waiting for rivals to falter, insisting Honda must keep pushing with development throughout the season. “It's true that during the year, you always have some good situations, and maybe good tracks for a rider that can make us a little bit more optimistic in terms of results,” he said. “But we cannot wait for the others to struggle. We have to continue pushing, even if the priority probably is next year. I think it's important to continue developing the bike.”

Honda’s recent form has reflected the difficulty of the transition. After climbing out of the lowest concession ranking last season on the back of four podiums, including Johann Zarco’s damp Le Mans win, Honda has endured a podium-less start to 2026 and has slipped back into Rank D alongside Yamaha for the rest of the final 1000cc season. Mir’s teammate Luca Marini begins the second half of the year as Honda’s leading rider in tenth place in the championship.