JOAN MIR SAYS MARC MARQUEZ’S GRESINI RESURGENCE INFLUENCED HIS HONDA EXIT

Joan Mir has explained that his decision to leave Honda for Gresini in 2027 was driven by a need for a mental reset, and that he was also inspired by how Marc Marquez managed to rebuild his career after a difficult period with the factory team.

Mir, the 2020 MotoGP world champion, spoke in an interview with Crash about why he chose to swap the Honda setup for the Ducati-backed Gresini Racing project. He said the biggest factor was simply needing “a change” for his mindset and overall situation. “I need a change for my mind, for everything,” Mir said. He added that while he wishes Honda well, his own move is about taking control of his next steps. “I wish them the best for the future, and if next year they are able to have a competitive bike, I will be happy because I was part of that, but I need a change.”

The Spaniard also described the timing and nature of the call as something he believes should be made with emotion as well as logic. “This is something that is part of the process and will be part of my career, and maybe, because next year nobody knows, this is not the right decision, but this decision was taken with the heart. I think if you take the decision with the heart, it’s the right one.”

Mir’s reasoning for Gresini went beyond the expectation of riding a more competitive Ducati. He said the team’s recent history of having fast machinery played a role, but what ultimately stood out was the environment and the way the squad “transmits” itself. “This happened that they’ve had competitive bikes in the last years,” he said. “But, more for the competitive bike they have, which was a super important part of my decision, it’s what the team transmits to the people.”

He characterized Gresini as a close-knit, family-like operation, drawing a comparison to Suzuki based on how people used to talk about that team. “That team looks super familial. It’s similar to Suzuki; you remember how people spoke about that.”

Mir pointed to the parallels between Marquez’s and Alex Marquez’s experiences at Gresini, emphasizing that both riders arrived during difficult phases. “Marc went there [to Gresini] in the worst moment of his career; Alex the same; he was pointing outside of the championship in a certain moment.” Mir then highlighted the turnaround that followed, saying it helped shape his view of what could be possible. “Look now: he enjoys riding, he made his career longer, and I think that also the story of the team, Nadia [Padovani] taking over the role of managing the team – it’s a beautiful story.”

The context behind Mir’s comments is the way Marquez’s switch to Gresini in 2024 became a defining moment. The sources note that Marquez’s move was initially seen as a major gamble after a rough stretch with Honda, and that he later returned to the top step with Gresini and then reached the pinnacle again with Ducati in subsequent seasons. Mir said he was partly inspired by that example when considering his own future.

As for his current Honda chapter, Mir indicated he is motivated to move forward while also finishing his time with the Japanese manufacturer in the right way. “I’m motivated for the future; I will not lie. Also, I’m motivated to close this chapter with Honda in the best way possible, not struggling, just enjoying a bit.”

Unless the remainder of the 2026 season brings a major change, Mir is set to end his Honda tenure without a race win, despite four years with the team. The sources state that his best results for Honda have been two podium finishes from the 2025 campaign.