Image: Supplied.

Former MotoGP World champion Joan Mir will make the move to the Respol Honda Team on a two-year contract from 2023, replacing the outgoing Pol Espargaro.

With Suzuki confirming its exit from the series at the end of the year, Mir was left in search of a seat to stay in the premier class.

Current teammate Alex Rins found refuge with LCR Honda, while the number 36 six will join the manufacturer’s ‘works’ outfit alongside Marc Marquez as Espargaro moves to GasGas with Tech3.

Mir established himself in Moto3 and lifted the lightweight crown in 2017, before elevating to the intermediate class the following season. He stepped up to MotoGP with Suzuki three years ago and claimed the premier class title in 2020.

The 24-year-old has 12 Grand Prix victories and 33 podiums to his credit, with two world championships. He has experienced a trying 2022 campaign and is currently 12th in the points standings, recently fracturing his ankle in the Austrian GP.