As Joan Mir wraps up a challenging season with Honda, the Majorcan rider is focused on securing a positive finish and gathering crucial insights for 2024. Despite a year of struggles for both Mir and Honda, he’s optimistic about the final race at Barcelona, where he hopes the familiar circuit and unique conditions can provide useful data.
Racing at Montmeló offers Mir a mixed advantage. While the track’s familiarity is helpful for assessing improvements, varying conditions pose challenges that could affect bike behavior. “I’m happy to be here and racing with a purpose,” Mir shared. “Conditions are different, and that changes the weekend a bit, but it also adds motivation. Let’s see if we can pull together a strong result.”
Mir noted that the grip-heavy Barcelona circuit is well-suited for Honda’s testing needs, particularly given the bike’s struggles with rear grip when exiting corners. “This track works well because it has grip and long corners, where you turn with the throttle. If Honda brings something that improves rear traction, we’ll notice it a lot here,” he explained, adding that Tuesday’s post-race testing will be key to evaluating any new parts.
Michelin’s expanded range of tire options has added a strategic layer to the weekend, but Mir doesn’t anticipate surprises. “Everyone has an idea of which tires will work best, so I don’t think there will be major shocks,” he remarked. For Mir, a good weekend means balancing tire choices with the track’s demands, particularly given the challenges posed by colder temperatures on left-hand turns.
Looking ahead, Mir acknowledged the title fight between Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia, praising Martin’s growth over the past year. “Jorge has made a huge change from one year to the next. But closing a World Championship is always tough, especially with critical turns and colder conditions. He doesn’t need to do anything different—just what he’s done in every other Grand Prix.”
As Mir contemplates his own journey and reflects on the pressures of fighting for a title, he believes the right approach is to push with a clear sense of margin. “Many times, if you’re riding defensively, a scare can make you rigid, affecting your whole race. But if you’re pushing with a margin in mind, that’s the approach to take. Jorge and Pecco have the advantage, so if Jorge can just stay close to Pecco, he’ll be in a good position.”
As the season concludes, Mir is hopeful for both a solid showing at Montmeló and meaningful progress with Honda in 2024. His focus remains on finishing strong, testing new developments, and setting the stage for a more competitive season ahead.