Joan Mir continues to have a very difficult time in the 2024 MotoGP season, as well as Honda. In the Catalunya GP, a new engine configuration was introduced, but the difficulties worsened and the rider finished only 15th – still managing to score points.
The 2020 champion explained that the different engine used in Barcelona created even more difficulties: ‘Honestly, it was a nightmare, I had very bad feelings throughout the weekend. I expected to have difficulties at this track. We are using a different engine configuration and I don’t feel comfortable with it. The level of sliding is worse than with the other one, and then the top speed is much lower. In other races I was able to be much closer to the group, and probably able to fight with the top ten group; here I had no chance to do so. We probably took a step back to take two steps forward in the future. But at the moment it’s complicated and the situation is like this, it’s even worse’.
However, Mir agreed with the introduction of this update: ‘The margin is higher, and in the short term it is probably better to receive some updates. I think it’s the right choice‘.
Asked if the low grip of the Barcelona asphalt contributed to worsening the difficulties, the Spanish rider confirmed: ‘Yes. This is the worst scenario we can find. Honestly, you are sliding almost 90 percent of the lap. You brake, you go into the corner sideways, you are like floating, you accelerate and slide. You can’t attack; whatever you do, it’s the same. Just stay on board‘.
