Joan Mir will be back on track tomorrow for the final three days of testing at the Losail circuit, roughly ten days before the opening race of this 2021 season. The Suzuki rider surprised many observers by winning the title last year and now has to prove that he knows how to defend him. The Spaniard is more aware of this than anyone and is ready for the challenge.
What does 2021 look like after the long winter break?
“Well I think it was good for us. I tried to prepare even better than last year. Physically, I am doing very well, I had time to rest and train. I am enjoying this moment very much because I really like the time before the season and I try to be as prepared as possible. But I’m also really looking forward to the start with new motivations like trying to fight for the title again and try to do as well as last year. “
The start of the season was pretty strange for the team when everyone found out that Davide Brivio was going to leave. How did you get the message?
“I found out over the phone, but I was on vacation and thought it was a joke! The truth is, I wish Davide all the best because I have a special affection for him. But I’m not worried about his departure because I fully trust the team. I know that everyone who takes part is very capable and we will not feel their absence. “
How could this change affect the team?
“I don’t know. I want to think it doesn’t affect anything because there are very professional people on the team. Suzuki’s top management is made up of really smart people, so I feel very calm.”
Does the winter break feel any different when you are champion?
“Yes, 100%, because you are very satisfied with a job well done. But of course it will be more difficult this year. Last year the pressure was focused on moving forward as a rider and consolidating my performance in MotoGP, but this year that has changed. Now I have to be at the front and try to defend the title, to fight for it from the start. Now the goal is to be on the podium, or at least fight for it, in every race. While at this point last year it was enough to aim for top 5 finishes. “
How did you spend your time over the past two months?
“I’ve invested time in myself and spent time with my girlfriend and family. During the season we all who work in this world know that we have very little time to be at home. That is why it is very much appreciated to be with my loved ones. I also had to force myself to take a short vacation because I was too motivated to exercise all the time! Of course, I also invested time in improving my skills as a driver. “
What was your favorite education?
“I don’t like repeating workouts, I like varying them. So I have some things that I really enjoy doing. I do a lot of aerobics sessions like skiing, which is what I like best. The gym is not my passion, although I have to, so we can remove that from favorites (laughs). And then there is the bike training … and for that the discipline I like the most is motocross. “
The feeling after receiving the crown is intense. Has it drained you or is it giving you a real boost?
“Definitely not exhausted, on the contrary, it gave me more energy. But as I mentioned earlier, I had to go on vacation and just get away from bikes and routines and everything that goes with that. It was the only way to rest. A lot of people around me felt pretty sick and drained after we finished the championship. I guess because of all the rush and stress, but luckily I felt fine. “
What did you learn to analyze what happened in 2020?
“I’d rather not spend so much time thinking about the title and I’m already focusing on this year and the next goal. I am very happy, very satisfied with the work done and one of my absolute dreams has come true. But I want to keep looking forward and win more in MotoGP. I didn’t really stop thinking and thinking about the title. We all like to see we made dreams come true, but now that I’ve made them come true and living them, it happens to me that I want more. It’s like a drug. If I had known, I wouldn’t have started … (laughs). “
Why did you choose to move on to number 36 instead of moving to number 1? It seems that a lot of people expected you to change …
“Well, it has to do with what I said about looking to the future. I don’t think my job is done. One day I really hope to be able to use the license plate, but not now; It is not the time. I am 23 years old and I don’t think this is the time. If one day I win titles like Marquez or Rossi 8 or 9 times, if it is possible to achieve those things, I would probably take number 1. But inside of me I don’t feel like now is the time. The way I see it at the moment, that’s how it is Number 36 is hard work, number 1 is showing off. I want to keep winning and trying, it’s something in my character; I don’t want to relax or give up. “
What need for improvement do you have this year?
“I think there is still room for improvement and one of the advantages I have is that I’m still fairly new to the championship. It’s only my third year. The GSX-RR just keeps getting better, the team has more experience and this should automatically lead to good results. We won last year with the package we had, which was very competitive and started third or fourth row in every race. So I think if we can improve the pace a bit to start in the second row, it will make my work a lot easier and I can even be more consistent. “
How do you motivate yourself for the coming season?
“For me, motivation is easy, it comes naturally. I am still too young to have no more motivation. hopefully I have a long career ahead of me. This year is going to be a year that Marc (Marquez) will return and I want to measure myself against him on the track because he’s the one who has dominated in recent years and this would allow me to keep learning and train better as a driver and improve my speed. “
What advantages and disadvantages does 2021 have for you when you analyze the racing scenario?
“Well, we’ll have to wait and see what will happen to the calendar, but for now there shouldn’t be a problem for us. When it comes to things that cannot be controlled, it is best not to waste time thinking. Last year was good for me and it was a very complicated season. If this year is more normal it will surely be easier for everyone. “
If we have fewer races in a row on the same track than last year, will you benefit?
“Yes, our bike has a very good base, which is one of our advantages. If we repeat races in a row on the same track, the others have more time to get their bikes to run better. Last year that was the case on some racetracks, so let’s see. “
The regulations and bikes won’t change much for 2021. Is that good in theory?
“Yes, it can be good for us because the package we have from last year is already on a good basis and as soon as it improves we will notice it very much. If not, we already know the bike works very well. “
It seems that the calendar this year could be a little more normal than the 2020 one, but we continue the threat of Covid-19. How much stress does it create to face an invisible rival?
“We already know what to do, but in some ways it makes it worse. before we just moved on, more relaxed and without knowing what we would find. But This year there will be more pressure not to get infected and not to get out of the bladder because I’ve already seen some riders who lost a lot to the virus last year. “
What goals have you set for defending your title?
“My main goal and that of my team is to improve our qualification performance. We already know that we are pretty quick in the races. However, if you start higher on the grid it goes without saying that it will be easier to fight for the podium or victory. That’s why we need to improve in this area, and that’s why I want to be able to focus and take a step forward this preseason. “
2021 will be a year with several drivers and team changes. Who do you see among your greatest rivals?
“Well, I think Morbidelli will be a very difficult opponent. But it is quite difficult to choose the main competitors as it was a very strong field last year and more this year. Marc (Márquez), if he’s okay, he’ll be the rival for everyone to beat. My team-mate Alex will also be quick. “
How do you think your teammate will perform?
“Very good! We have to try to get both of us Suzuki riders to a very high level and encourage each other because that will of course improve the bike. I think we did that a bit last year and we both got in fought every race as if it were the last, and 100% given. “