Mir "proud" to overtake a Ducati on Sepang's straight as Honda engine improves

Joan Mir says he is “proud” to have overtaken Fermin Aldeguer’s Ducati with Honda’s improved straightline performance in the MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix.

Factory HRC rider Mir bagged his second podium in four races at Sepang, finishing third behind winner Alex Marquez and Pedro Acosta, after Francesco Bagnaia retired late on with a puncture.

Starting seventh on the grid, Mir sent his RC213V up the inside of Aldeguer at the final corner on lap 2, with both running close to the edge of the track at the exit.

This set up a drag race down the start/finish straight, with Mir edging ahead before sweeping across at Turn 1 to complete the pass.

Honda’s lack of top speed had been one of its biggest weaknesses in recent years, but recent upgrades have transformed the Japanese manufacturer’s fortunes.

Mir clocked a joint-highest 333.3km/h in the speed trap during the race, while during qualifying both he and LCR Honda rider Johann Zarco hit 338.5km/h - just shy of Acosta’s KTM.

While the 2020 MotoGP champion admitted that there were some mitigating circumstances, he still felt the overtake on Aldeguer showcased the progress Honda has made on the engine front.

Joan Mir, Honda HRC

Photo by: Asif Zubairi / Motorsport Network

“We don't have a new engine, so this is the reality a bit. It's true that Aldeguer’s bike is not the fastest Ducati,” he said. “In the past, we just dreamed to follow, and now we are able to have a chance. We are just improving. To overtake one Ducati on the straight makes me proud.”

Honda has become a far stronger contender since introducing an upgraded package after the summer break. 

Luca Marini finished a strong fourth in the sprint race in Hungary, while Mir put Honda back on the podium at its home race in Japan last month.

Mir acknowledged that there are still some areas where Honda is lagging behind, but said he can notice the progress it has made since he joined the factory in 2023 after Suzuki’s MotoGP exit.

“I can attack the front more, I can turn the bike more going into the corners,” he explained.

“But it's true that we have some limitations on that, because then in terms of grip, we always struggle. And on tracks with low grip, it becomes difficult. We are [working] a bit on that, to try to improve that for next year, to have a competitive package.

“But we have to be super happy with all the work that we've done from the three years that I've been in Honda. 

“It's not something about the short term, it's about the work of the long term; giving information to engineers, working together, trying to build up a competitive package. And now we have to enjoy the moment.”