Marco Bezzecchi
The Grand Prix of Americas was a case of what could have been for so many MotoGP riders in mixed and tricky conditions.
The main beneficiary was Francesco Bagnaia who secured his first victory of the season at the Grand Prix of Americas after Marc Marquez made a critical mistake by taking too much kerb and dismounting his bike.
A late tangle would see Johann Zarco’s terrific start to the season dented while competing for sixth. It was a bad day for Honda who could have taken a lot more points away from the Texas round.
Yet another costly Joan Mir mistake saw him plummet from inside the top 10 to become just the second retirement of the race at one stage.
Sylvain Guintoli says everyone at Honda is smiling after their start to the season, even though it could have been far better if they bikes would remain on the road.
Reportedly, Honda are in talks to sign a ‘crazy’ rider with uncertainty surrounding the futures of both Luca Marini and Zarco.
READ MORE: Four-win team boss reveals LCR Honda ‘option’ for 2027 MotoGP engine collaboration
Joan Mir hides feelings after suggesting his words would be ‘bad’ at the Grand Prix of Americas
A chaotic pre-race procedure at the Grand Prix of Americas would see a flurry of riders follow championship leader Marquez into the pitlane to change bikes and start from the pitlane instead.
The man best positioned to benefit from the saga was Mir, who had taken the early gamble to start the race on slick tyres anyway.
The following red flag denied him the opportunity to effectively start from what would have been pole position or very close to it.
The official rules were not followed entirely and a lot of riders were bailed out. Speaking after the race, he told media including journalist Simon Patterson that he was far from pleased about the ordeal.
“If I said everything I feel today, it would be bad for my image,” said Mir, who could have easily been in the fight for a podium.
READ MORE: Joan Mir explains what Thailand Grand Prix ‘confirms’ about Honda after crash
The one thing Joan Mir must stop doing if he wants to stay at Honda beyond 2025
While Mir may be a MotoGP champion, he has continued to make far too many mistakes this season and it is costing him so many points.
He has now lost two potential top-eight finishes in the first three races to falls. His contract runs to the end of 2026 but he cannot keep costing his team.
The speed is there, but without an improvement in consistency, the Spaniard’s seat could be at threat in the future.
At the age of just 27, he still has plenty to offer and his experience is valuable in helping Honda to develop their MotoGP bike.
They have improved massively over the winter and now it is time to cash in. Big results could be on their way for the Japanese manufacturer very soon.
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