Honda rider should be very worried about keeping his seat for 2027 after what team bosses said about him in private

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Honda have confirmed their rider line-up for the 2026 MotoGP season, with only one change set to happen.

2020 MotoGP champion Joan Mir was the only Honda rider to have a contract for 2026 at the start of this year. On Monday, the Japanese manufacturer confirmed that they had tied down Luca Marini and Johann Zarco to new deals.

The former will stay at the factory HRC team alongside Mir in 2026, while the latter will stay with satellite team LCR on a deal until 2027. Zarco will receive factory treatment from Honda, hence why he was happy to miss out on a seat at HRC.

LCR are set to sign Diogo Moreira from Moto2, with official confirmation pending. The Brazilian talent will replace Somkiat Chantra, who could move to World Superbikes after a dismal rookie season in the premier class.

Honda have mostly opted for continuity with their riders in 2026, but that did not seem to be their initial plan. The Japanese giants were heavily active in the MotoGP rider market earlier in the year which should spark concern for their current talents.

Honda ‘didn’t think twice’ about doubting Joan Mir if they signed Jorge Martin or Pedro Acosta – he should be worried

MotoGP was shaken by the news that Jorge Martin was looking to leave Aprilia in 2025 after suffering several injuries at the start of the season. The Spaniard was unsatisfied with the project and looked to pave the way to Honda with an exit clause in his contract.

Despite having a deal with a rival manufacturer until 2026, Honda were public about their interest in Martin, with rumours suggesting that they had offered a three-year deal. However, after intervention from Dorna, Aprilia won their case and the Spaniard will honour his contract.

Honda were also linked with Pedro Acosta, as the 21-year-old was frustrated with KTM amid their financial crisis and the development of the RC16. But like Martin, he could not break his contract either and will stay with the Austrian outfit until the end of 2026.

Honda’s movements in the rider market created concern for Mir and Marini’s future. According to a report from MOW, the Japanese giants ‘didn’t think twice’ about ‘casting doubt’ on the Spaniard over the Italian if they signed Martin or Acosta.

Despite having a deal until 2026, there were rumours that Mir’s contract could be ‘terminated’ amid their pursuit of the Aprilia and KTM stars. It always seemed to be Honda’s intention to keep the 28-year-old’s teammate, as reports suggested that Marini could have joined LCR.

Marini has scored points in every race he has finished in 2025 – the only rider to do so – while Mir has suffered nine retirements out of 14 races. With Honda’s private chatter about their rider line-up earlier in the year, the Spaniard should be very worried about his future prospects.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Joan Mir from net worth to career stats

Who should Honda sign for the 2027 MotoGP season?

Honda are aiming to return to the top of MotoGP as the new technical regulations approach in 2027. They will need to think hard about who they want on board to achieve that feat.

Zarco is the only rider contracted until 2027 and will prove to be vital experience for the first year of the new regulations. It has been suggested that teammate Moreira could move to the factory team after one season at LCR, but he will need to show strong performances.

At present, while results are beginning to improve, Mir and Marini are not displaying signs that they should be lead riders at Honda come 2027. With some teams already preparing pre-deals, their futures may already be decided.

Martin is Honda’s top target for 2027 as they are not looking to give up their pursuit of the Spaniard. While Aprilia could have a title-contending bike next year, the lucrative offer from the Japanese giants could be too good to refuse.

Moreira could be a talent for the future and the next star to rise in their ranks. However, Acosta must also be considered amid the uncertainty at KTM, given the incredible skill that he is currently displaying.