Joan Mir took another podium without a victory in a season where, as he tells anyone who will listen, he does what he can with what he has. And what he has is not enough, the responsibility falls directly on Suzuki which he presents each time as the manufacturer who has not learned its lessons this season. The competition has progressed better. Worse: the GSX-RR has stagnated, missing the mark with the latest innovations. However, it’s not for lack of work. Could it then be a question of competence? Joan Mir says no more, but in 2022, we will not have to experience the same situation…
Joan mir draws an increasingly pronounced line on this 2021 season as the Grands Prix go by. In Aragon, although he may have gotten a little closer to Fabio Quartararo who has had a bad time, the fact remains that he still qualifies so modestly and is content with a step on the podium which is never the highest.
When the return to school took place in Austria, the reigning champion was delighted to find a Suzuki updated to allow it to play leading roles. However, the “holeshot” was not perfect and we even had to go back. So, in these conditions, what's the point... At the finish of the Aragon Grand Prix, Joan Mir drove the point home again: “ it is certain that we have to work, given that this year our development has not been like that of our opponents. This must not happen next year. In the last period we have worked hard, but maybe we should do it first to be on par with other manufacturers ».
A regret which then exudes when he recounts his race on Motorland: “ finishing third is not a bad result. Maybe I could have even gone for the win if I hadn't been in traffic during the first few laps. It's certain that the start was complicated, because I lost time and therefore it was impossible for me to close the gap with Marc and Pecco ».
He adds : " unfortunately, I had difficulty braking and lost acceleration as the race progressed. I am aware that the podium is within our reach, but without acceleration we cannot fight for victory. I think it's obvious, given that we are struggling on the straight and with the Suzuki we can't overtake. I'm giving 100%, but we need a step forward, even if it's not easy ».
Joan Mir: “ tire performance has been fairly consistent compared to other races«
« In addition to this aspect, we have to do something with the holeshot, so that in the race we start on par with the others. If we solved these two problems it would already be a great starting point he says. " In the race, I didn't find the same level of grip as in testing. I don't know if it was due to the weather or the fact that I stayed with Miller and Aleix for a long time. But when I managed to pass them, I was confident. In fact I was able to be fast, with laps quite aligned with Pecco and Marc ».
The last consideration is on the tires, a sensitive subject since Silverstone: “ the tire's performance has been fairly consistent compared to other races. I'm actually quite impressed with it, because it wasn't bad ». Joan mir is now heading towards Misano, with the same GSX-RR lagging behind its opponents. Starting 20th, his teammate alex rins was only able to move up to 12th position.
MotoGP Aragon J3: ranking
Credit classification motogp.com
