A bold statement from Joan Mir has sparked a debate in the MotoGP community. He warns that Honda is "far" behind Ducati's impressive pace, leaving fans and experts alike intrigued and divided.
Mir's performance during the Sepang MotoGP Test left him satisfied, but a closer look at the Ducatis' speed revealed a significant gap. "It's a reality check," Mir admitted. "Ducati's pace is exceptional, especially with Alex Marquez leading the charge."
On the second day of the test, Mir topped the timesheets with a remarkable 1:56.000 time attack, securing fifth overall by the end of the three-day event. However, the final day brought a twist as leading riders, including Mir, simulated Sprint race conditions, exposing a clearer disparity.
"We've improved, but Ducati has taken a huge step forward. They're back with a vengeance," Mir explained. His simulation, excluding the final lap, put him 9.096 seconds behind Alex Marquez, a margin that would have placed him sixth in last October's Sprint race.
Gresini's Marquez, now riding factory-spec machinery, also impressed with a blistering 1:57.295 early in his Sprint simulation. "That's an incredible pace!" Mir exclaimed. He then clarified that such a lap is unsustainable for Honda due to tire wear.
Mir, who crashed in last October's Sprint but rebounded with a podium finish in the grand prix, described the latest RC213V as "slightly better in every area." "We've made small but significant evolutions," he said. "But it's not a massive leap forward in any single aspect."
When asked about the bike's main weakness, Mir was straightforward: "Grip. We're still lacking in that department."
"Grip is crucial. It affects everything from controlling the spin to tire wear. We need to focus on that to close the gap," he emphasized. Despite the challenges, Mir remains optimistic about Honda's race pace. "I believe we can fight for top five or top four positions, but it's a tough battle."
His teammate, Luca Marini, finished the test as the next best Honda rider, placing 13th overall. The final pre-season test at Buriram on February 22 will be crucial, as Honda must decide on their final engine spec for the 2026 season after moving up in the concession rankings.
As the MotoGP community awaits the Buriram test, the question remains: Can Honda bridge the gap to Ducati's dominant pace? Join the discussion and share your thoughts in the comments!
