Top Honda honours for Mir, Marini charges forward
Circuito de Jerez - Angel NietoA consistent day for Joan Mir who found his groove again as he took ninth in Qualifying and in the Sprint while Honda HRC Castrol teammate Luca Marini authored an aggressive Sprint to recover.
The Spanish fans in Jerez were on their best form from early Saturday morning as the grandstands and hills around the 4.42-kilometre-long circuit filled continually. Ambient conditions continued to be near-perfect, and a number of riders pushed to the limit, and over it, but both Honda HRC Castrol riders stayed clear of trouble to put together a productive day.
Back to being fighting fit, Joan Mir was able to capitalise on his Friday performance and focus his attentions on Q2 first and foremost. Snatching top Honda honours and a spot on the back of the third row, the 2020 World Champion proved Qatar was just a blip. His form would continue into the Sprint as he spent the race chasing down Bezzecchi and Viñales, crossing the line in ninth. There are still areas to improve, but the #36 is continuing to improve his riding to adapt and overcome these areas.
Luca Marini was able to turn a complicated morning into a more positive Sprint, the Italian battling through from 16th on the grid to 13th and end just off the back of Ogura and Binder. Each day has been Marini get stronger and stronger in Jerez and another point-scoring finish is Sunday’s objective with the top ten a possibility. The Italian is chasing his fourth straight top-ten finish of 2025.
Racing begins at 14:00 Local Time, the Spanish Grand Prix is primed to be an incredible start of the European leg of the MotoGP season. With the stands and hills already full on Saturday, Sunday could see another record-breaking weekend for MotoGP and the Honda HRC Castrol team is ready to feature.
We had a good day today overall and I was able to ride well, inside the limit, with this group of Diggia, Bezzecchi, Viñales. From the start we were fighting hard and finally able to end inside the points. It wasn’t an easy race as there are still some areas we need to improve with the bike, but I was able to change my riding to cope with it. From the Sprint we were able to learn some good information for the long race on Sunday. Starting in ninth will be a benefit tomorrow because overtaking here in Jerez is not so simple.
We had a good day today overall and I was able to ride well, inside the limit, with this group of Diggia, Bezzecchi, Viñales. From the start we were fighting hard and finally able to end inside the points. It wasn’t an easy race as there are still some areas we need to improve with the bike, but I was able to change my riding to cope with it. From the Sprint we were able to learn some good information for the long race on Sunday. Starting in ninth will be a benefit tomorrow because overtaking here in Jerez is not so simple.
I was able to be super aggressive at the start of the race to try and gain some positions early on. Our pace was a little below what I expected, but for us in the Sprint it’s a bit trickier and we have some things which we always improve into the long race on Sunday so I think that we can achieve more. I am confident that we are close to the top ten, I need to make sure my start is good and really pick the best spot in the opening lap.
I was able to be super aggressive at the start of the race to try and gain some positions early on. Our pace was a little below what I expected, but for us in the Sprint it’s a bit trickier and we have some things which we always improve into the long race on Sunday so I think that we can achieve more. I am confident that we are close to the top ten, I need to make sure my start is good and really pick the best spot in the opening lap.
It was good to be back racing! I was hoping to be a bit more competitive, there were some complications in Qualifying and it was my first time really pushing to the limit with a soft tyre on this bike. It’s tough to overtake here and I spent most of the race trying to get ahead of the Yamaha’s – but the bike is good and there is potential there. I was able to see clearly where we need to improve so now myself and the Test Team know even more where to focus on.
It was good to be back racing! I was hoping to be a bit more competitive, there were some complications in Qualifying and it was my first time really pushing to the limit with a soft tyre on this bike. It’s tough to overtake here and I spent most of the race trying to get ahead of the Yamaha’s – but the bike is good and there is potential there. I was able to see clearly where we need to improve so now myself and the Test Team know even more where to focus on.
