Honda finds itself in uncharted territory as it navigates through its most challenging period in MotoGP history. The once-dominant manufacturer is now relying on 2020 champion Joan Mir to keep his spirits high while the team works on creating a more competitive bike.

A Season to Forget

The 2024 season was one to forget for Honda, as they ended at the bottom of the constructors’ standings with just 75 points. On the factory RC213V, Mir endured a season of frustration, scoring only 21 points and finishing 21st in the riders’ standings. Only Ducati’s Luca Marini ranked lower, while Honda’s satellite riders, Johann Zarco and Takaaki Nakagami, outperformed both factory riders.

The disappointing results highlighted a critical issue for Honda Racing Corporation (HRC): the RC213V’s lack of competitiveness. Yet, team principal Alberto Puig remains optimistic, encouraging Mir to maintain his drive.

Puig: "I Hope He Can Keep His Motivation"

For a rider like Joan Mir, who has already experienced the pinnacle of MotoGP success, the current struggles present an emotional and professional challenge. Puig acknowledged this during an interview with MotoGP’s official website.

“Joan is already a world champion in MotoGP, so the current situation is not comfortable for him,” Puig admitted. “The bike is not at the level. He is trying, he has had some crashes. When you are a champion, you push for results, but sometimes things don’t align.”

Puig expressed hope that Mir’s fighting spirit would persist, even during these difficult times. His determination is seen as a critical factor in Honda’s potential comeback.

Signs of Progress, but Challenges Remain

Despite a tough year, Honda’s second half of the season showed glimpses of progress. A clearer direction in bike development emerged after numerous experiments during the first part of the season. Improvements were evident in races like Misano, where Zarco secured two top-10 finishes.

However, Puig admitted that these steps were far from sufficient to meet Honda’s high standards.

“The results are not what we want,” Puig said. “But we have more clarity now on what works and what doesn’t. The engineers are understanding more and more how to proceed, but this process takes time.”

Eyes on the Future

As Honda looks ahead to the 2025 season, the team’s determination remains unwavering. Puig emphasized the importance of persistence, even in the face of setbacks.

“The only thing we never lost was our will to come back,” Puig declared. “This will is what drives us forward, even though we are clearly behind. That is a fact.”

A Long Road Ahead

For Honda, the path back to the top will not be quick or easy. The combination of Joan Mir’s resilience and the team’s engineering efforts will be pivotal in shaping the team’s future. As the new season approaches, one thing is clear: Honda is far from giving up on its pursuit of glory.