Joan Mir criticizes Honda engine weaknesses affecting performance

Honda’s lack of engine power remains a key issue as Joan Mir prepares for the Argentina GP.

Joan Mir dari Spanyol dan Honda HRC Castrol duduk di garasinya bersama kepala kru Santi Hernandez jelang sesi latihan pertama MotoGP Argentina di Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo di Rio Hondo, Argentina, pada 14 Maret 2025. Foto oleh Gold & Goose/LAT Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Joan Mir has once again voiced his frustration over the performance of the Honda RC213V ahead of the 2025 MotoGP Argentina at the Termas de Río Hondo Circuit. The HRC Castrol rider emphasized that while improvements have been made in handling, the lack of engine power remains a critical weakness that continues to hinder his ability to fight at the front.

The 2020 MotoGP world champion, who crashed at the previous Thailand Grand Prix, noted that Honda has addressed certain handling issues over the winter break. However, the core problem with acceleration and top speed persists, preventing him from making competitive overtakes.

"It’s still there," Mir said when asked about Honda’s ongoing power deficit, as reported by Motorsport.

"That’s actually what stopped me from overtaking. When I reached the straight, I would go side by side with my rivals, but as soon as we upshifted, they would pull away," he added.

This is not the first time Mir has openly criticized Honda’s lack of progress. He has repeatedly expressed his frustration about the same issue, admitting that he is growing tired of repeating the same complaints.

Honda’s power limitations exposed at high-speed circuits

The Buriram International Circuit, where the Thailand Grand Prix was held, is known for its long straights and high-speed acceleration zones. These characteristics further exposed the Honda’s limitations, making it difficult for Mir to keep pace with his rivals.

During the race, Mir was battling inside the top ten before crashing out, while fellow Honda rider Johann Zarco managed to finish in seventh place, just behind Marco Bezzecchi’s Aprilia. However, Mir was adamant that his lack of straight-line speed made it nearly impossible to challenge for a better position.

"To position myself correctly is already difficult because, with the current aerodynamics, if you’re not in line, it’s impossible to overtake," Mir explained.

Despite the ongoing struggles, he remains hopeful that Honda is actively working on a solution.

"At Honda, they know we are lacking power. I believe they have a plan to fix this because I’m honestly tired of saying it," Mir stated.

Argentina GP presents a new challenge for Honda

Unlike Thailand, the Termas de Río Hondo Circuit features a more balanced layout, offering a mix of high-speed sections and technical corners. While the track has long straights, particularly leading into the sharp Turn 5, it also includes multiple long-radius corners and double apexes. These features could provide an opportunity for Honda’s improved handling to shine.

Mir acknowledged the differences between the circuits and remains cautiously optimistic about the upcoming race.

"This circuit is very different compared to Thailand," Mir said. "The grip is lower, and braking demands are much less intense. It’s another track where we need to adapt."

Despite his concerns, Mir noted that there is a positive atmosphere in the Honda garage.

"I’m curious to see how the bike will perform in Termas: it could go really well, or it could go really badly," he admitted.

Mental approach plays a key role in performance

Beyond the technical limitations of his bike, Mir also opened up about the mental challenges he faces when entering a race weekend.

"Arriving at the circuit on Thursday and knowing that you’ve already lost is a tough feeling," he said, referring to Honda’s ongoing struggles.

However, he emphasized the importance of maintaining a competitive mindset.

"If you come with the belief that you might have a chance to be in the top ten, and if things go well, maybe something even better, you approach the weekend differently," he explained.

Honda’s test at Termas de Río Hondo

MotoGP Argentina 2025 will serve as a crucial test for Mir and Honda as they aim to prove whether they have made progress in addressing their performance issues. With the season still in its early stages, a strong showing in Argentina could provide much-needed confidence for the team moving forward.

Can Honda make improvements at Termas de Río Hondo and allow Joan Mir to fight at the front? The race weekend will reveal whether the team has taken a step in the right direction or if their power deficit will continue to hold them back.