It's crunch time in MotoGP, and Joan Mir isn't mincing words: Honda's 2026 challenger simply isn't cutting it. After the recent Buriram test, the 2020 champion delivered a stark, unfiltered assessment, signaling deep frustration with the RC213V's current state. The hunt for front-running pace is proving an uphill battle for Honda HRC, leaving their lead rider demanding radical change.
Key Points from Mir's Assessment:
- Joan Mir labels Honda's new bike "not super competitive" after the Buriram test.
- Persistent lack of rear grip remains the RC213V's major Achilles' heel.
- Mir believes Honda's gains are nullified by rival teams' superior improvements.
- The Spanish rider demands a "revolution" in performance, not just evolution.
A Reality Check in Buriram
The initial optimism following the Sepang test has evaporated. While Honda showed some positive signs there, the stop-and-go nature of the Buriram circuit exposed the RC213V's true shortcomings. Mir explicitly stated he felt "not super happy" at the Thai track, unable to match the potential seen elsewhere.
He highlighted the stark contrast between the two tests, suggesting specific tire characteristics at Buriram weren't helping their cause. The track ruthlessly revealed the limitations, leaving the team with more questions than answers heading into the season opener.
The Grip Gamble: A Stagnant Struggle
The glaring issue at the heart of Mir's concerns is the persistent lack of rear grip. This critical flaw plagues the RC213V, leaving riders battling for traction out of corners – a fundamental disadvantage against the elite.
Mir lamented that while Honda has made some progress, it's been largely incremental. He stressed that rivals like Ducati and Aprilia are operating on "a different level" in this crucial area, effectively widening the performance gap despite Honda's own efforts.
Revolution, Not Evolution: Mir's Demands
For Joan Mir, mere evolution won't cut it. He’s calling for nothing less than a "revolution" in Honda's approach to tackling their grip woes. The Spanish rider made it clear that "different things" were tested, but not a fundamentally "different concept."
This direct challenge from their lead rider underscores the urgency. Mir fears Honda is stuck at "similar potential" to last year, as rival manufacturers have matched or even surpassed their winter developments.
The Road Ahead: A Top-8 Battle?
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Mir's projections are sober. He believes that, in terms of pure pace, a top-eight or even top-ten finish might be the best Honda can realistically hope for in the early races.
While he remains hopeful for some breakthroughs before the first flag drops, his assessment is a wake-up call. The pressure is mounting on Honda HRC to deliver significant, transformative improvements if they want to escape the midfield mire and challenge at the front.
