Joan Mir is the reigning World Champion and this achievement has praised the homeopathic dose development method used at Suzuki. A strategy which, however, reveals its limits in 2021. The fault lies with Ducati which has accelerated its work on aspects hitherto unknown in this competition such as the “holeshot device” which is now an attitude corrector mechanically actuated by the driver, including in the middle of a race. And not just at the start. The competition, and sometimes against its will, followed suit, except the GSX-RR. A situation that Joan Mir hopes to evoke as a sad memory from the start of the school year on the Red Bull Ring which will open the second part of the season...
Joan mir claims three podiums which are as many third places on the record for his first part of the campaign. Relative satisfactions experienced in Portimao in Mugello and recently in Assen. Here he is fourth in the general classification, stuck between the two official Ducatis of bagnaia and Miller, with 55 points behind on a fabio quartararo which this time is much more solid than last year. The Majorcan was then, at this stage of the competition, 48 lengths behind the leader a year ago. This is only seven points less than today, but the situation, he points out, is more perilous.
A deterioration which is not due to the departure of Davide Brivio. He doesn't want to hear this argument. Because for him, the ignition delay comes directly from Hamamatsu and he says it frankly: “ During the pre-season tests, Honda, Yamaha, Ducati, but also Aprilia and KTM developed the bikes. Suzuki no ". We cannot be clearer and more brittle... unless we add another little layer: “ we brought in a new frame, a new swingarm. In general, it works, but more needs to be done ». Mir however, finds extenuating circumstances: “ I have to say that I didn't expect such a big improvement from other manufacturers. Probably not even Suzuki, and that probably makes things a little more difficults ".
Joan Mir: “I know they are struggling at Suzuki. They want the same thing as me."
The first half was thus played with the available equipment. A tolerance that Joan mir will not show in the second half: “ this package is probably not good enough to win the title he says. " I know they are struggling at Suzuki. They want the same thing as me, we have a common goal. I can see that Project Manager Sahara and everyone in Japan are aware that we need to improve. It makes me happy because I want the same thing ».
« I expect improvement on the bike and I'm sure the second half of the season will be better for Suzuki in all respects ", announced Mir which specifies: " I don't expect a new motorcycle, but we don't need one either ". The newlywed ends on Mowmag : " the strategy is to be as close as possible and then try to score more and more points. I think we will do well, I can't wait for the competition to resume. I am strong, the team wants to achieve good results and I want the same. When Suzuki makes some speed improvements, we'll see where we'll be. I think we will be strong ».
The second part of the season therefore promises to be exciting with a Yamaha at the forefront masterfully led by Quartararo, Ducati while hunting, Suzuki who wants to redeem himself and KTM eager to continue their momentum from Mugello. On the side of Honda, we can only hope, as always, in one Marc Marquez having recovered all his means.
