Can Joan Mir End Five-Year MotoGP Victory Drought in Malaysia 2025?

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Joan Mir of Honda HRC Castrol emerges as a strong contender for Honda’s second win of the 2025 MotoGP season after demonstrating impressive race pace on Friday at the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang. The 2020 world champion, winless since then, hints at a resurgence with a rhythm 0.350 seconds quicker than rivals, despite sporadic rain disrupting sessions.

A championship that seemed decided post-summer now feels reset due to Marc Marquez’s injury absence. Fermin Aldeguer of BK8 Gresini Ducati claimed his rookie maiden win in Indonesia, followed by Raul Fernandez’s shock victory for Trackhouse Aprilia in Australia. In Malaysia, Mir stands out with promising form for Honda.

Honda’s 2025 advancements make podium contention in 2026 likely. Gains started early, extending with RC213V updates. Zarco’s French GP win was notable, but third in Japan’s dry race highlighted engine pull and traction improvements.

In Malaysia, Mir excels with the best race rhythm, though long-run analysis is tricky amid rain. “We’ve made real progress,” Mir stated, per official sources. This signals Honda’s readiness for a second victory this season.

Test rider Pedrosa’s fourth in practice supports Mir’s pace data. Sportrik’s in-depth analysis underscores Honda’s traction and power gains, positioning it competitively at tracks like Sepang.

2025 Malaysian MotoGP: Manufacturer Best Practice Times

Pedro Acosta of Red Bull KTM topped practice despite two crashes, but KTM’s tyre wear curbs his ambitions. In Australia, he dropped from win contention to fifth due to degradation, an issue also in Mandalika.

Expected frontrunner Alex Marquez of Gresini Ducati crashed twice, suffering neck pain and clinging to ninth for Q2. Ducati struggled: Bagnaia 12th, Aldeguer 13th, Di Giannantonio sixth. Aprilia disappointed, with Bezzecchi 15th and no RS-GP in Q2.

Yamaha and Honda dominated Q2 with five bikes, Zarco second, Miller third. Mir’s superior rhythm makes him Honda’s hope for a second win, ending his five-year drought.

Often overlooked, Mir’s form suggests a major comeback. His second MotoGP win since 2020 could arrive in Malaysia if pace holds. Sportrik predicts rain will influence strategies, but Honda’s traction edge favors Mir.

Acosta could win if KTM solves tyres, while Marquez remains Ducati’s best shot despite injury. Aprilia needs a turnaround to sustain 2026 title talk. Mir, with the quickest rhythm, could make history for Honda.

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