Joan Mir has revealed that the new components tested by Honda’s factory riders during the Valencia MotoGP test might indicate the bike’s future development path. Mir finished 12th in the test, just under half a second behind the fastest time set by Raul Fernandez. According to the Honda HRC Castrol rider, there wasn’t much new to evaluate in Valencia—mainly a few parts Aleix Espargaro used during his recent wildcard race—which is understandable given the season’s ongoing bike evolution.
Mir explained that after a year of rapid development, it’s challenging to bring many new items to Valencia. He noted that Espargaro tried some parts over the weekend, and they tested them again, identifying both positives and drawbacks, but it could signal the way forward. Mir added that Honda’s focus now is to keep refining the RC213V ahead of the Sepang test, after which development will slow as attention shifts to the 2027 850cc project.
He emphasized that Honda is working hard with more tests planned, aiming to deliver the best package at Sepang rather than now. The concept of the bike has evolved this year because the current setup is already competitive. However, Mir pointed out that improvement in aerodynamics is a key area, echoing Johann Zarco’s suggestion. He acknowledged that rival manufacturers like Aprilia, KTM, and Ducati are slightly ahead in this department, and Honda plans to push forward there.
The test day faced interruptions due to wet and patchy track conditions following overnight rain, causing a red flag to allow drying and reducing valuable testing time. Mir’s teammate Luca Marini described the day as hectic and confusing, with many things tried in a short time, making it tough to stay focused. Marini plans to meet with engineers and Mir to gather and share feedback to prioritize what to work on at Sepang.
While Marini kept specifics about the new parts under wraps, he mentioned testing new electronics and overall felt the bike had improved despite challenging conditions. He stressed the importance of careful evaluation at Sepang, where they’ll have more time on the track.
Fan Take: This insight into Honda’s methodical approach signals a promising evolution for the RC213V, which could restore Honda’s competitiveness in the MotoGP grid. For racing fans, these developments hint at exciting upcoming battles and technological innovation, keeping the sport thrilling and dynamic.
