“In Jerez, I didn’t receive any information from Honda management” – With these words, Joan Mir explains his move to Gresini-Ducati for 2027
Joan Mir will continue to race in MotoGP in the 2027 season, but no longer for the Honda factory team. The former world champion announced last weekend in Le Mans that there would soon be news regarding his future.
“I think everything is going well. It looks more and more like I’ll continue to compete in MotoGP,” Mir had said most recently in France. This weekend in Barcelona, it became clear what his future will look like.
Mir has reached an agreement with the Gresini team. He will be Daniel Holgado’s teammate next year. A contract between Mir and the Gresini team is reportedly already signed.
“Understandably, I can’t say anything on this subject,” Mir said after the sprint race in Barcelona. “What I can say is: After Jerez, I decided not to continue with Honda. That’s right, I won’t be staying there.”
When asked whether this decision was due to Honda’s silence regarding his future or whether it was the result of a conversation with the brand’s management, he gave a clear answer.
“In Jerez, I received absolutely no information from Honda management about what the future held for me. And one thing is clear: I don’t deserve that. That’s exactly why I decided I don’t want to continue there.”
He has taken his future into his own hands and is choosing the same path as Marc Marquez did in 2023, when he decided to leave Honda to give his career new momentum by moving to Gresini-Ducati.
At the time, Marc Marquez rode for the small Italian satellite team for free. He earned his income from his personal sponsors and partners. Gresini itself paid him neither a salary nor performance bonuses.
That was a very deliberate decision at the time by the now seven-time MotoGP World Champion. Would Mir do the same? “Yes, I would do that now.” However, he refused to say whether he would actually do so.
There are only a few spots left in the field for 2027. VR46-Ducati is still looking for a teammate for Fermin Aldeguer. It is expected to be an Italian rider. The decision will come down to Nicolo Bulega and Luca Marini.
There is also one spot still open at Trackhouse-Aprilia. The Tech3 team has two spots left. CEO Günther Steiner confirmed in Barcelona that they will continue to work with KTM in the coming years.