Joan Mir continues to face significant challenges in the 2024 MotoGP season, as does Honda. A new engine configuration was introduced at the Catalan GP, but it only exacerbated the difficulties, with the rider finishing in 15th place—though he did return to the points.
The 2020 champion explained that the different engine used in Barcelona created even more issues: ‘Honestly it was a nightmare, I had very bad feelings during all the weekend. I expected to struggle in this track. We are using a different engine configuration and I don’t feel good with it. The spin level probably is worse than the other one, and then the top speed is much less. In the other races I was able to be a lot closer to the group, and probably being able to be fighting with the group of the top ten; here I didn’t had any options to do it. We probably made a step back to make two forward in the future. But at the moment it’s tough and the situation is like this, it’s even worse’.
However, Mir agreed with the introduction of this update: ‘The margin is higher, and in the short term probably is better to receive some updates. I think it’s the right choice’.
Asked whether the low grip of the Barcelona asphalt contributed to aggravating the difficulties, the Spaniard confirmed: ‘Yes. This is the worst scenario that we can find. Honestly you are spinning almost 90% of the lap. You brake, you go into the corner sideways, you go like floating, you open the throttle and you spin. You cannot attack; whatever you do, it’s the same. It’s just staying onboard’.