The Leopard Racing technical director looks at the latest European races on the eve of the three consecutive Grands Prix which will take place at Motegi, Phillip Island and Sepang.
“Our strategy was rewarded: we attacked in all the races to win them and although it was not always possible, there have been eight victories so far. »
“Joan was superb! He made some intense final laps… especially for us in the pit! Now the advantage has really increased. We will try to have a good race in Japan, although I think Joan wants to win there, because that is her mentality. We hope we can win at least one of the four remaining races, and maybe we can win the World Championship with a victory. »
Will we see Belgian Livio Loi in action in Japan? How is he ?
“We are happy that Livio comes back and is with us, and hope that he will finish the season in a worthy way, because in the last races before his injury we found the right direction and he started going very strong. »
Now you're entering the season finale, with the Asian triple trip: what do you expect from it?
“The first stage is in Japan, and Motegi is a special circuit, made up of disconnected and violent corners, matching Joan's driving style well. The track should also be suitable for Livio, given its low weight and strong acceleration. »
What do you think of the sanction received by Joan Mir after the Aragon race?
“Joan was penalized six places back on the grid at Motegi and accepted it. The others did the same thing, but he was the only one to be penalized. The maneuvers should be better regulated. »
These days, there are not enough adjectives to define Joan: what can you tell us about her from inside the stand?
“We have to thank Joan for her work as a driver, but also for her behavior within the team. We must thank him for the immense trust he had in us at all times: even in difficult times he never became nervous. We want to finish the season in the best way. »
“Valencia will end the professional relationship between Leopard Racing and Joan, who will go to Moto2, but we will all continue to follow him with great affection. »
Provisional ranking of the World Championship:
1 Joan MIR-Honda 271 points
2 Romano FENATI-Honda 191
3 Aron CANET-Honda 173
4 Fabio DI GIANNANTONIO-Honda 137
5 Jorge MARTIN-Honda 134
6 John MCPHEE-Honda 106
7 Marcos RAMIREZ-KTM 105
8 Andrea MIGNO-KTM 103
9 Enea BASTIANINI-Honda 103
10 Philipp OETTL-KTM 91
11 Juanfran GUEVARA-KTM 75
12 Nicolo BULEGA-KTM 72
13 Bo BENDSNEYDER-KTM 48
14 Livio LOI-Honda 47
15 Tatsuki SUZUKI-Honda 46
…18 Jules DANILO-Honda 29
Photos and source: Leopard Racing
