In an exclusive interview with Spanish broadcaster DAZN, Repsol Honda Team’s Joan Mir has shed light on his current situation after what has been a difficult 2023 season to date.

Personal turning point

"This break has been great for me. Besides, I've been lucky enough to become a dad and I think that, in such complicated moments, having a glimmer of joy is fantastic. This has given me the strength to keep trying,” said Mir.

“It's certainly the worst year of my career,” admits the 2020 MotoGP™ World Champion. “A lot of things have come together. I make a very good living doing what I like, but we've been under a lot of pressure since we were very young, that pressure of either you get a move on or you don't continue. And this year before the break my head said 'calm down, let's prioritise'".

Focused on growing with Honda

"I've been working with a sports psychologist,” continued the #36. “Doing everything necessary because I want to turn this situation around with Honda. I don't want other alternatives. I want what is here to work. I did consider staying at home, but I'm sure I would have regretted it. The day I decide to do that, I have to be sure that in the future I won't regret it.

“I will fulfil my contract with Honda. It's the best team in the world going through a difficult period and I want to be part of getting it back on track. What I want is to win. I want to get back to where I was in the past.”

Praise for Marc Marquez and Rins

Mir also praised current teammate Marc Marquez and former teammate Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol), with the Spaniard admitting the Americas GP winner has handled the tricky moments better than him.

“If Marc is suffering on this bike, it means the situation is desperate. He is the best rider on the grid, without a doubt, and it's not nice to see someone who has won so much like this.

"He (Rins) has managed the difficult moments much better than me… I wish him all the best at Yamaha, he is a great rider.”

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