Joan Mir's eyes were full of light under the spotlights of the presentation in Madrid of the Repsol Honda team, in view of the 2023 MotoGP season which is fast approaching. This is generally the effect that the legend has when we realize that we are now part of it, but in recent years, its predecessors, and not the least, have realized that, from now on, it is It was more of a smokescreen. The 2020 MotoGP World Champion with Suzuki, but also Honda in Moto3 in 2017, is well aware of this. And he intends not to fall into the trap...
To realize what it's like to be a team member Marc Marquez within the box Repsol Honda, it must be remembered that the latter counts 59 victories under these colors. Not only does he surpass the combined success total of all his current rivals in MotoGP, but he also crushes the statistic within the brand. Indeed, since his arrival in 2013, Dani Pedrosa only materialized nine times, and Cal Crutchlow three times. And that's all ! The last three teammates of Marc Marquez, Jorge Lorenzo, Alex Marquez and Pol Espargaró, have never climbed to the highest step of the podium.
Joan Mir: “ I can't afford not to be on topt "
Considering the figures, Joan mir can only comment: “ I compare myself to the best driver in the world ". He adds : " it's a great honor for me. I'm nervous and very excited to wear these colors. I can't wait to start the season and I'm grateful to be part of this team, with such a great history ". But there is also this: “ the fear of failure is always there, not just in this team. But I have confidence in my abilities and in this team. I think we will have a competitive bike. I'm confident. I can't afford not to be at the top. This is my goal and that of the team ».
Certainly, but you will have to go through certain stages before feeling able to express your full potential: “ it's a big change and being associated with a driver like Marc is the best way to compare yourself. I have to adapt to this bike, which has a different engine configuration. It's totally different from what I rode before, so I have to adapt to this bike and test different parts. But our comments and feedback with Marc were very similar in the tests. So it looks like we're heading in the same direction, which should make things easier for engineers ».
« When two drivers are very competitive, each gives the other energy to go faster and faster. We can achieve excellent results » convinces himself Joan mir. In this sense, it is supported by Alberto puig : " I think Mir is experienced enough », declares the team boss MotoGP. " He became Moto3 World Champion in 2017 with a Honda in the Leopard team. He will know how to play his role in the team. In professional sports you have to think about yourself a lot. You have to focus on yourself and compete with other drivers “, explains former driver Puig. “ One of these opponents is Marc ».
« History shows us that a team like Honda needs two drivers who can win races. But in recent years, only Marc has succeeded in doing so. Add to that the fact that he has been riding with one and a half arms for two years... We think Joan has the same mentality as us. He is a two-time world champion. It is the right time. We are very confident » finishes the Spaniard.
