Joan Mir’s Honda showed markedly improved top-end speed at Sepang, allowing a decisive overtake on a Ducati and a podium finish. Betting angle: favor Honda riders for podium or each-way bets at circuits with long straights, and consider small-value markets on Mir to place at similar tracks after this performance.
Joan Mir credits Honda’s straight-line upgrade after Sepang podium
Joan Mir said he was proud to overhaul Fermin Aldeguer’s Ducati thanks to Honda’s improved straight-line performance at the MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix. Mir finished third at Sepang behind winner Alex Marquez and Pedro Acosta, securing his second podium in four races after Francesco Bagnaia retired late with a puncture.
Race move that mattered
Starting seventh, Mir dived up the inside of Aldeguer at the final corner on lap two, both riders running close to the edge of the track on the exit. The pair then engaged in a drag race down the start/finish straight, with Mir edging ahead before sweeping across at Turn 1 to complete the pass.
Speed trap numbers underline Honda progress
Honda’s top-speed deficit has been a longstanding weakness, but recent upgrades have shifted the narrative. Mir recorded a joint-highest 333.3 km/h in the race speed trap, while in qualifying both he and LCR Honda’s Johann Zarco hit 338.5 km/h — only marginally behind Acosta’s KTM. Those figures provide tangible evidence that Honda’s package changes are delivering measurable gains on the straights.
Mir on the significance
Mir acknowledged mitigating circumstances but said the overtake showcased engine progress. “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. 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.”
Season context and ongoing work
Honda has emerged stronger since introducing an upgraded package after the summer break, with competitive results including a solid sprint showing for Luca Marini in Hungary and a home podium in Japan. Mir noted improvements in corner attack and turn-in but admitted there remain weaknesses, especially in grip on low-traction tracks.
Looking ahead
Mir, who joined the factory squad in 2023 after Suzuki’s MotoGP exit, stressed this is a long-term project: providing engineers with feedback, refining the package, and targeting improved grip for next season. “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… And now we have to enjoy the moment.”
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 ...Keep reading
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