Joan Mir did an excellent job today at Mugello. The 2020 world champion faced a difficult race, but finished in the end third step of the podium behind Oliveira’s KTM and Quartararo’s Yamaha and is now Fifth in the world rankings with 65 points.
“Today it was difficult to put the helmet on, it was not an easy day, not only for me but also for everyone else I think – explained the Suzuki driver – Just the sight of the empty stands with no yellow smoke changed the atmosphere that we normally live here in Mugello. We riders have a lot of empathy when such accidents happen, we often forget that this is a dangerous sport. Episodes like this make us respect each other more among the drivers, but on the other hand we also have to think about ourselves and the race, If you don’t stay focused, it’s better not to put your helmet back on. “
You didn’t start from the front row and still made it onto the podium.
“I concentrated, gave my best in the race and found good pace. I tried to overtake Oliveira, unfortunately his bike was much faster on the straights and he was also strong in the corners, But I still want to thank the team for doing a great job with the bike, we just lack a bit of speed. We were still on the podium and will now try to do better on tracks that are more convenient for us, so I’m very happy with the work we’ve done so far. “
This year the Suzuki has obvious qualifying limits, why is that?
“The Ducatis have certainly improved a lot this year and are always ahead of us. We weren’t in this situation last year and qualifying was more competitive.”
What difference do you notice between the Suzuki and the other motorcycles?
“Zarco’s Ducati had an additional gear on the straight, suddenly brakes and then accelerates again. It’s really hard for me to get it back. The KTMs even have a different style than what I saw with Miguel, they manage excellent cornering speed. In any case, there are two bikes that I don’t want to fight with on the last lap. “
What are you missing to improve the bike?
“I know that some components are being worked on in Japan, it will take time, we are lacking a bit of speed, but I think the bike will improve in the future. I am very optimistic.”
Scoring points without taking risks turns out to be a winning strategy once again, contrary to what Marquez thinks …
“To be honest, I did my best today, just with the current setup of the bike I didn’t have enough to catch up with Oliveira and so I don’t see anything wrong with taking a few points home without taking unnecessary risks.”
Compared to last year the situation in the overall standings is less confused, with more or less the same drivers fighting for the podium, does that cause you problems?
“This year Quartararo and Bagnaia are very strong, that’s clear. On the one hand, the Yamaha always do very well in qualifying and we lack the power of the Ducati when overtaking, so yes, the situation is certainly more complicated for us Suzuki than last year but I have faith in the bike and the work we are doing and I think we will do well in the next few races. “
Both you and Oliveira went on the green, do you think the penalties for the distance limit are too severe?
“I was so focused that I honestly didn’t even notice It is possible to make mistakes in the middle of a race. And it’s frustrating because we drivers have nothing to say on this matter. I think it’s right that there are limits to the route, otherwise the tracks would end up getting wider and potentially more dangerous, but there is also the risk of being punished and stupidly losing points, so decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis . “
You also fought a lot with your teammate during the race, did you lose a lot of time as a result?
“In fact I lost some time, on the one hand I was trying to catch Miller and Rins was behind me attacking me. In the end I managed to keep a good pace and finish the race, but I have to admit that I did Had limits. ” Especially in the first sector of the race, I think it wouldn’t have been possible to do better without taking unnecessary risks.
Alex Rins, who crashed for the fourth time in a row a few laps before the finish line, is clearly frustrated …
“My front was pulled in and I landed in the gravel. I don’t seem to have the same problem, so now we need to analyze the data with the team to see how we can solve this situation.”