Joan Mir: I deserve to stay in Honda’s factory MotoGP team for 2027

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Joan Mir believes his performances and underlying potential warrant another term at Honda’s factory squad in MotoGP’s 850cc era.

HRC remains one of the last few factory squads to finalise its 2027 line-up, with Honda yet to decide who will join the incoming Fabio Quartararo aboard the RC214V.

Mir has been part of the factory set-up since 2023 and, after initially struggling for both performance and motivation, he helped the squad return to the podium at Motegi and Sepang last year.

However, Motorsport.com understands that neither he nor his team-mate Luca Marini was offered a contract renewal as of last month’s US Grand Prix. The situation is further complicated by Honda’s plans to expand its presence to six bikes next year, potentially by bringing Tech3 into its satellite roster.

While that could theoretically create more opportunities within the manufacturer’s stable, Mir made it clear that his priority is on retaining his factory seat next year.

“I don't think I'd deserve to race for any team other than the official Honda team,” he said.

“I'm not here to ask for anything. I think I'm a rider who can guarantee that, when the bike is working, I'll be up front. That's what we have to aim for.

"Also, I need to find a project that motivates me. If something doesn't motivate me, I won't do it. It’s that simple. This isn’t the beginning of my racing career, where anything goes.

“If I’m going to do something, it’s because it makes sense, and we’re moving forward, and we’re going all out, because I’m proving that I’m fast.

“From here on out, as for the things I can’t control, we’ll have to see, but I think I’m giving more than enough reasons to have a good bike next year."

Marini's 2027 ambitions

Luca Marini, Honda HRC