Joan Mir, the reigning World Champion with a wavering crown, did not go against the grain of a first day of the Austin Grand Prix full of press conferences. For what ? Because he addressed two themes which fueled the conversations and which are the tragedy experienced by the Viñales family for a week now and, also, a weather forecast which will set the tone as soon as the laps begin...
Let's start with what is the least serious, but which will definitely be important this weekend: the weather forecasts. Conditions that welcomed Joan mir who remembers: after an eight hour plane ride from Barcelona to New York, we took the next flight to Austin, but had a stopover in Dallas, due to weather conditions. We stayed there for three hours, at 3 a.m. I have to say it's easier to go to Jerez », commented Mir who immediately recovered: “ but it's always nice to be here. I think we have a good chance and a podium here in Austin or a win in America is something I would like to achieve ».
A legitimate ambition given the fact that the last winner MotoGP on this Texan track is none other than his teammate alex rins in 2019: the bike has potential and I'm in good shape. So I think we can do well here “, he admitted, cautiously optimistic. “ It's always a special Grand Prix and after a while in Europe it's the first Grand Prix abroad ". Then he reveals: “ we also prepared something special. It's a special helmet, but I don't know exactly what they prepared for me. I can not wait to see it ».
Certainly, but on the GSX-RR side, will the 2022 developments seen during the Misano tests be on the program? “ During the tests, we made some progress, particularly in terms of adjustments and the leveling correction. We were stronger in these conditions than during the previous three days of competition. We will probably continue some of the work this weekend ».
Joan Mir: “When something like this happens, we all stand together”
Who says Austin, also says security and in the light of the latest events experienced from the paddock of the SuperSport300 in Jerez last weekend, the subject is even more sensitive: “ I have to take a tour to analyze the work done to reduce the holes in the asphalt » began Joan Mir, before talking about the package of Maverick Vinales for the sad reasons that we know: “ When a tragedy like this happens, I see that everyone really feels this loss. When something like this happens, we all stick together, which is good. Because it's something that can happen to any of us... »
« It's a very difficult situation “, sighed the 24-year-old Majorcan. “ I completely understand that Maverick is not well enough to come here. Aprilia's decision is also very good, I think pilots appreciate these things. And I hope something like this doesn't happen again ».
