MotoGP France Le Mans J3 Joan Mir (Suzuki/AB): “the fall was mentally very painful”

The Ecstar Suzuki team, Joan Mir and also her teammate Alex Rins certainly did not need this double retirement in this French Grand Prix during which the Hamamatsu manufacturer officially confirmed its intention to leave MotoGP at the end of the year. And yet, neither GSX-RR saw the finish at Le Mans, two abandonments which were as many falls, which never makes a good impression when you are in a hurry to look for a handlebar for 2023 This is the case of the 2020 World Champion, who is also suffering the blow…

The team involved in MotoGP in factory colors Suzuki ready to abandon it in the open countryside is experiencing a dark period that the last French Grand Prix unfortunately did not deny it. After learning of their brand's exit from the competition at the end of the season, Joan Mir et alex rins missed the Le Mans race. Both fell and had to retire. Joan Mir had nevertheless started sixth for this seventh contest of the year thanks to the penalty inflicted by the Race Direction on Johann zarco. But on the fourteenth lap of the 27 scheduled, the Spaniard lost control of his GSX-RR which slid into the gravel trap at turn 13.

A blunder which, he admits, affected him: “ the fall was mentally very painful ", declared the pilot of 24 years in an interview after the race. “ After a difficult Saturday, we launched into the race motivated. The start was good, I used the medium front tire. I fell in FP2 with this climb but I felt good in the race ».

**Joan Mir: “ unfortunately we are not fighting for the title«**

« I was able to set consistent lap times. Even when I had to overtake, I was able to catch up with those in front straight away ", explained the factory driver Suzuki. “ I prefer these conditions because it is safer than when it is cold. It's better for our tires in warmer conditions ". Then he adds: “ every time I got closer to a competitor, it became complicated. It's always difficult to brake behind the Ducatis. You really have to be careful " highlighted Mir who also admits: “ unfortunately I didn't succeed, I braked too late and when I put the gas back on the front wheel skidded ».

Au General classification motorcycle, Mir is only ninth after seven races out of 21. The world championship leader fabio quartararo is already at 46 points. “ In the first part of the season I realized that I have potential, the bike is working and the performance is good. But unfortunately, I can't put it all together to get the result I'm hoping for », declared the Spaniard who finished: “ I'm sure it will work better soon. Unfortunately we are not fighting for the title, we have to find our way back ". And a team for 2023.