MotoGP News: Honda Signs Two-Year Contract With Joan Mir

Saajan Jogia | Jul 26, 2024

Apr 12, 2024; Austin, TX, USA; Joan Mir (36) of Spain and Repsol Honda Team during practice for the MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas at Circuit of The Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has confirmed that Joan Mir will remain with Honda's factory team until the 2026 MotoGP season. This announcement follows last month's news that the Spaniard and Honda had verbally agreed on the terms of his new contract.

Honda has been facing significant challenges in MotoGP, currently languishing at the bottom of the championship standings. None of its four riders have managed to break into the top ten, hindered by a slow bike that consistently places them behind their competitors.

Mir, the 2020 MotoGP champion has impressed Honda through his role in the development of the RC213V bike. His contract extension with Honda denotes an unchanged lineup for the Japanese manufacturer in the premier class for the next season.

Speaking about the contract extension, HRC president Koji Watanabe told the media:

"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."

Mir will continue to lead Honda's MotoGP program until the end of the current rules cycle, considering that he is currently Honda's top performer in the riders’ standings, holding 18th place with 13 points, narrowly ahead of LCR recruit Johann Zarco, who has 12 points. Speaking about his contract extension, Mir added:

"First of all, I am very happy to be able to compete with Honda and HRC for the next two years.

"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."