In the first eleven races of the Suzuki driver’s title defense, I’ve only got three podiums so far, while the outstanding world championship leader Fabio Quartararo has won four races on his way to a 47-point lead.
The Spaniard saved himself in fourth place after the chaotic end of the Austrian GP last Sunday when he pitted for his wetbike when the rain got heavier while he was riding in the leading group.
Mir has defeated Quartararo in both Austrian races and has now moved up to second place with Francesco Bagnaia from Ducati – but admits that he will be “surprised” if he wins the title in 2021 without taking “at least two” race wins .
“I think we have to win two or three races to win the championship,” said Mir, who was only once on the way to the title in 2020.
“Now we have better races coming our way, cheaper races and I think we will get the opportunity to do so in a few races.
“But the most important thing is to stay on the bike again, like in this race, to keep improving, to win the bike safely, too.
“It will be the key, I think we have to win at least two races to win the title. I would be surprised if we didn’t need it. “
Joan Mir, Team Suzuki MotoGP
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Regarding his decision to pit his wet bike at the Austrian GP, Mir believes that race winner Brad Binder’s risk of staying out on slicks is right – but the Suzuki rider was somewhat influenced by his own championship situation.
“Well, honestly, I was thinking in my head of staying out because there were only three laps left and I think that in that case we could fight for victory because Binder stayed out,” Mir said.
“But on the other hand, I was in the group and saw that Fabio, Bagnaia, all of my direct rivals came into play and then my choice was easy – just follow them and that’s it.
“But what do we do at some point because there are only three laps left.
“But I think it was probably the same option to win if we stayed on the track or stopped at the pits to change tires.
“Of course I would have chosen to stay out in any other position, I think Binder certainly did the right thing.
“But I think we have to think about the points in some aspects and get it right I think.”