Honda’s Lack of Updates Leaves Joan Mir Fuming After Barcelona Test
Joan Mir criticized Honda for failing to deliver key updates at MotoGP’s Barcelona test, leaving him frustrated about the RC213V's 2025 prospects.
Honda’s absence of notable updates during the official MotoGP test in Barcelona sparked mixed reactions, particularly from its factory rider Joan Mir. The Spaniard was harsh in his criticism after what felt for him like no progress during the last test of the season.
Unlike other manufacturers, Honda chose not to bring a 2025 prototype or significant new components to the seven-hour test at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Instead, the Japanese manufacturer continued to evaluate existing elements, leaving Joan Mir especially, disappointed:
“The reality is that I didn’t have a lot of things to test,” said the Spaniard. “I had already tested everything before. I’ve done 70 laps with things I’ve tested at least twice. We didn’t achieve anything positive or see clear improvements to the bike.”
With Mir frustrated and Luca Marini voicing similar concerns, Honda MotoGP Team Manager Albero Puig was quick to explain the decision-making that led to the team not bringing a prototype to the test.
“The 2025 prototype is built when you have something that fits,” he clarified. “As we have done so many [private] tests during the year, it didn’t make sense to bring the prototype here. During the year, we’ve been trying many things. Presenting a ‘black bike’ here, when we’ve had one most of the year, wasn’t necessary.”
In late November, the team was then able to follow suit and brought new parts as well as a 2025 prototype to a private test in Jerez. Puig hinted that the new developments brought to the test addressed multiple rider concerns, including Joan Mir’s ongoing issues with severe vibrations, especially on the rear of the bike.
“The vibrations are not typical chattering. They are something bigger, which affects the riders significantly. It has been difficult to solve, but it remains our top priority.”
Despite their struggles, Honda has shown signs of improvement since mid-September. According to Puig, changes made post-Misano enhanced the RC213V’s handling, enabling better cornering performance and allowing Honda’s 2024 best Johann Zarco to break into the top ten in two of the final six races.
“We end the year with the feeling of having made progress,” said Puig. “The bike didn’t turn well before, but now it does.”
