Fresh from a heartening 6th place, Joan Mir looks ahead at the weekend in Hungary with cautious optimism. Thanks to a slightly improved bike, compared to the start of the season, he hopes to take advantage of the novelty effect.
"I don't know if Balaton could be suitable for the RC213 V. Certainly, every new circuit represents an opportunity for anyone. Personally, I'll try to do my best and adapt as quickly as possible. In the same way, however, the bike will also have to be responsive, and we'll have to avoid wasting time with adjustments on a set-up level. Overall, I'm convinced that we'll be able to do a good job," he said, before sharing his impressions of the track.
"I did a couple of rides, and it feels small and narrow. One of the most peculiar on the calendar. But a layout different than the others is always interesting, also because it can reward certain riders instead of others, since it has different braking points and overtaking zones," he explained.
Going into the specifics of the circuit's morphology, the Spanish rider claimed: "Because of the type of corners, it's a bit reminiscent of the first sector of the Red Bull Ring, only a bit narrower, while sector two is similar to Mandalika. There aren't many fast corners. It's more like a stop-and-go. Usually, from the outside, races that take place on tracks like that are more fun to follow."
The former Suzuki rider then continued, examining Honda's current numbers, and revealed: "We did a very good job at the beginning of the season, like we did last year. The potential is higher than in Austria where, for different reasons, we weren't able to bring home results and where, on paper, we could've done well. Personally, I feel I can fight more regularly in the top six or seven, and that's what we need to focus on."
Then, taking stock of the bike's progress in this 2025, he argued: "So far, we've focused on the details, but I can't say we've made a real breakthrough. In 2024, we grew a lot, and we haven't stopped. The Barcelona test could help."
From last in the line-up to an absolute second force, in order to succeed, the factory with the Golden Wing has had to change its approach and be quicker in updates. "In fact, the time to solve problems has shortened compared to the past. But the company behaves in the same way as before, and that's how it should be," he assessed.
Finally, returning to the characteristics of the circuit that, according to some, is dangerous for MotoGP bikes, he said: "Before giving an opinion, you have to try it. From the outside, I don't think it's risky. Normally, when the corners are slow, the riders are more aggressive, but I can't say if it's more dangerous than launching yourself at 250 km/h in twenty-two, like when you take turn one at Montmelo at the start. Even there, you can create a critical situation."