MotoGP 2020 champion Joan Mir believes that only mistakes can prevent Marc Marquez from securing the championship title this year, following an unbeaten start to the season.

Marquez has been in impeccable form, claiming victory in all four races so far—two sprint races and two grand prix events—in 2025, starting each from pole position. This flawless start has marked the perfect beginning to his career as a factory Ducati rider, solidifying his dominance on the grid.

With a 16-point lead in the championship standings, Marquez is well on his way to securing his seventh title, a feat that would put him on par with the legendary Valentino Rossi. His strong performances have sent a clear message to his competitors: he remains the rider to beat.

However, his preparations for the upcoming Grand Prix of the Americas hit a minor roadblock during Friday’s practice session. In wet conditions at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Marquez suffered a crash at Turn 2 during the opening session. While the incident was not catastrophic, it served as a reminder that even the best riders are not immune to setbacks.

Mir, who was Marquez’s teammate at Honda in 2023, has been highly impressed with his former colleague’s performances. “Marc is dominating,” Mir stated. “I think the only one who can lose this title is himself because he has everything needed to win. He has the experience, the speed, and the best bike. Marc knows exactly where the limits are, and that comes from experience. I believe he won’t face many problems this year in winning the title—unless he creates them himself.”

While Marquez continues to lead the way, Mir himself has had an encouraging start to the season. With 10 points from the first two rounds, the Spaniard is beginning to see progress from Honda, which has struggled in recent seasons. After years of lagging behind their rivals, there are now signs that the team is closing the gap.

This improvement was evident once again on Friday at the Circuit of the Americas, where Mir put in a solid performance, securing a place in Q2 for Saturday’s qualifying session. His ability to break into the top 10 under challenging conditions is a testament to both his skill and the strides Honda has made in its development.

“The goal was achieved,” Mir noted. “It was a very complicated day, requiring agility at all times and in every condition, but I managed to do it. You can’t be fast in all those conditions unless you feel comfortable on the bike, and that’s another key factor. This is the most confidence I’ve had since I started racing with Honda.”

The signs of improvement from Mir and Honda are a welcome development in a season that has so far been defined by Marquez’s sheer dominance. As the championship battle unfolds, the focus remains on whether anyone can challenge Marquez’s supremacy.

His seamless transition to Ducati has been nothing short of extraordinary, silencing any doubts about how he would adapt to the machine. The combination of his aggressive riding style and the powerful Ducati package has proved to be an unstoppable force on the track.

Despite his crash in practice, Marquez’s form suggests that he is well-equipped to handle whatever challenges arise throughout the season. His ability to push the limits without exceeding them is what makes him such a formidable competitor. If he can continue his current trajectory, his seventh title seems almost inevitable.

While Mir acknowledges Marquez’s superiority, his own progress should not be overlooked. The former champion has had to endure a difficult transition with Honda, a manufacturer that has struggled to remain competitive in recent years. However, his ability to find confidence on the bike and secure strong results suggests that he is on an upward trajectory.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Marquez to see if he can maintain his unblemished record. With each race, the pressure will mount, and even the smallest mistake could have major consequences. But for now, his rivals—including Mir—seem to agree on one thing: the title is Marquez’s to lose.