Honda has officially confirmed the departure of 2020 MotoGP world champion Joan Mir at the end of the 2026 season, clearing his path to an expected seat at Gresini Racing Ducati for 2027. The Spaniard's tenure with the factory Repsol Honda squad has been defined by struggle, with the inconsistent and uncompetitive RC213V machine preventing him from recapturing the championship-winning form he displayed with Suzuki. Mir's exit marks a critical career reboot, trading a languishing factory project for the proven competitiveness of a satellite Ducati, the bike that has dominated the championship in recent years.
This move triggers a complete overhaul at the Gresini Ducati satellite team for the 2027 season. Mir is set to be joined by newly-signed rookie Dani Holgado, creating an all-new lineup as current riders Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer depart for KTM and the VR46 Racing Team respectively. The reshuffle extends the wave of changes in the rider market ahead of the new technical regulations, with Honda also losing eight-time champion Marc Marquez to Ducati machinery for 2025.
Mir's impending switch represents a mutual acknowledgment that the Honda partnership had run its course. For the rider, it's a chance to reset on a bike capable of winning; for Honda, it's another high-profile departure underscoring the depth of its competitive crisis as it scrambles to develop a bike worthy of its illustrious history. The move has been anticipated in the paddock for months as Mir's frustrations with the project became increasingly visible.
The timing of Mir's exit aligns with a broader power shift in MotoGP. Ducati's dominance over the past three seasons has created a clear hierarchy, leaving rival manufacturers scrambling to close the gap. For Gresini, a privateer team with limited resources, securing a rider of Mir's caliber is a statement of intent.
The team's decision to pair him with Holgado, a 19-year-old prodigy who claimed two Moto2 wins last season, signals a long-term vision rather than a short-term points-chasing approach. This contrasts sharply with Honda's situation, where the factory squad has become a graveyard for talent, with multiple world champions failing to deliver results on the RC213V. Honda's struggles are not just about the bike.
The manufacturer's inability to retain top riders has eroded its credibility in the paddock. The loss of Marc Marquez to Ducati in 2025 was followed by Mir's departure, leaving the factory team with only Takaaki Nakagami for 2027. This exodus of talent reflects deeper issues within the organization, from management decisions to technical development missteps.
The 2027 season will be a make-or-break moment for Honda, as the new technical regulations promise to shake up the grid and potentially level the playing field. The Gresini Ducati move also spotlights the satellite team's evolving role in MotoGP. Historically, privateer outfits served as feeder teams for factory squads, but the rise of Ducati's satellite program has flipped the script.
Gresini's aggressive recruitment of Mir—despite his struggles at Honda—proves that a well-run satellite team can now compete at the highest level without factory backing. The team's willingness to bet on Holgado's raw talent alongside Mir's experience underscores a calculated risk that could redefine what's possible for non-factory squads in the new era. For Mir, the transition isn't just about switching bikes; it's a strategic pivot in a career that once looked destined for decline.
His Suzuki championship pedigree made him a high-risk, high-reward signing for Gresini, but the satellite team's willingness to trust him reflects confidence in his ability to adapt. Meanwhile, Honda's crisis extends beyond the track. The loss of two marquee riders in two years sends a message to sponsors and fans that the once-dominant Japanese manufacturer is in uncharted territory, with no clear path back to the front.
What's next: Joan Mir will see out the 2026 season with Honda before embarking on his crucial Ducati chapter. All eyes will be on whether the former champion can immediately rediscover his front-running speed on the GP26 or GP27 machine. For Gresini, the task is integrating a proven winner with a promising rookie, while Honda faces the monumental challenge of rebuilding its rider lineup and its motorcycle from the ground up.
Mir's move also raises questions about the future of the Repsol Honda team's identity. Once the gold standard in MotoGP, the squad now operates in survival mode, clinging to its historic name while failing to deliver on the track. The departure of Mir, a rider who carried the team through its darkest days, symbolizes the end of an era.
His replacement by Nakagami, a loyal but unproven asset, underscores the lack of viable options within Honda's depleted ranks. The 2027 season will test whether the Japanese manufacturer can reverse its fortunes or if it will continue to be outpaced by the Ducati juggernaut and the resurgent KTM and Aprilia squads. Read at Crash.net MotoGP
Why this matters
A former world champion's exit from a storied factory team is a stark indicator of the shifting power balance in MotoGP. Mir's move to a competitive Ducati is a career lifeline and a major coup for Gresini, while Honda's loss of another top talent deepens the crisis for the Japanese manufacturer. This transfer, part of a wider satellite team rebuild, reshapes the grid just as the new 850cc era approaches. The stakes are higher than ever: for Mir, it's a chance to reclaim his status; for Honda, it's a fight for relevance; and for Gresini, it's a gamble on youth and experience that could redefine its future.
Frequently asked
When does Joan Mir leave Honda?
Honda confirmed his departure at the end of the 2026 MotoGP season. He is then expected to join Gresini Racing Ducati for the 2027 championship.
Who will Joan Mir's teammate be at Gresini?
The team is set for an all-new lineup with rookie Dani Holgado joining Mir for the 2027 season, replacing the departing Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer.
Where are the current Gresini riders going?
Alex Marquez is moving to the KTM factory team, while Fermin Aldeguer is joining the VR46 Racing Team, also on Ducati machinery.
Why is this move significant for Joan Mir?
It's a crucial career reset. After years struggling with an uncompetitive Honda, he gets a chance to rebuild his reputation on the dominant Ducati, a bike capable of immediate results.
What does this mean for Honda?
Losing the 2020 champion is another massive blow, following Marc Marquez's exit. It highlights Honda's deep competitive woes and the urgent need to improve its RC213V motorcycle.
How does this affect Gresini Ducati's strategy?
By signing Mir and Holgado, Gresini signals a long-term commitment to building a competitive squad rather than chasing short-term results. The pairing combines experience with potential, a rare balance in satellite teams.
