At the Argentina Sprint event, Joan Mir achieved his best result since the introduction of Sprint Races in 2023 by finishing eighth, moving from tenth at the start. Luca Marini finished 13th after struggling to meet expectations. Johann Zarco secured fourth, demonstrating Honda’s technical improvements. Both riders prepare for Sunday’s Grand Prix, with varying weather conditions expected.
The Honda HRC Castrol team experienced encouraging results at the recent Argentina Sprint event, with Joan Mir advancing from a tenth-place start to finish eighth. He marked his second consecutive Q2 appearance in 2025, further showcasing his competitive spirit while racing against notable riders like Quartararo and Morbidelli. This result signifies Mir’s best finish in the Sprint Races since their introduction in 2023, highlighting his ongoing improvement and potential for future races.
Meanwhile, Luca Marini’s performance was less favorable, as he qualified sixth in Q1 but concluded the Sprint race in 13th place. Marini expressed frustration regarding his inability to meet his expectations, indicating a need to enhance his rear grip for future events. Both riders look forward to the Warm Up session on Sunday, which presents an opportunity to optimize their setup.
In contrast, Johann Zarco stood out as a strong competitor, achieving a position on the front row and finishing fourth, evidencing the advancements made in the Honda RC213V’s performance over the winter. The focus is now on the upcoming 25-lap Gran Premio de Argentina, set to commence at 15:00 local time, with potential weather variability influencing the outcome of the race.
Joan Mir stated, “Solid race. I think this was the best result we could have achieved today… There are still some points, especially on exit, that we can improve more.” He expressed optimism about further improvements in the longer race.
Luca Marini remarked, “Today was a bit less than we were expecting speaking honestly… We need to check it overnight and find a solution for the Warm Up. The results of Mir and Zarco show the progress we are making.”
The recent Argentina Sprint showcased significant progress for Joan Mir, who achieved his best result since the debut of Sprint Races in 2023, finishing in eighth place. Meanwhile, Luca Marini struggled to meet his expectations, ending the race in 13th position despite a solid start. Johann Zarco’s strong performance further highlights Honda’s advancements. As attention shifts to the Sunday Grand Prix, both Mir and Marini remain hopeful for improved results, adapting strategies based on the insights gained from Saturday’s events.
Original Source: motogp.hondaracingcorporation.com