Joan Mir confirms his expectations after what might be the best weekend of the season. Starting in the front row gave him the chance to chase Bagnaia’s Ducati. but his Suzuki couldn’t get the two tenths of a second it took. So, he finished the race on the second step of the podium after the Portuguese GP was abruptly interrupted by the red flag, three laps before the end, after the accident in which Oliveira between his bike and Iker Lecuona‘S.
After the last weekend in Misano, do you feel relieved by this result? It seems like the break you mentioned was worth it and took a heavy load off your shoulders.
“I’m very excited about this podium,” said Joan. “I am more satisfied with the way the entire weekend went than the result itself. We were quick from FP1 and I was finally able to enjoy a race weekend where everything went well. If you have fun, you can get great results even in the race. I am very grateful to Suzuki who never stopped working on the bike and improving it to give me the opportunity to achieve this result. I have to admit that Pecco was very quick today. He was able to drive very efficiently and keep the same pace on every lap. Now we have to think about doing well in Valencia too. The last race of the championship. “
Speaking of Valencia. It was the track you were crowned champion last year. After a season of several obstacles, what are your expectations for the final race of this long season?
“I’m optimistic. It’s a track that I can usually get great results on, and besides the motorcycle package has improved significantly. I think we have the potential to do well and finish the championship in the best possible way. “
Yesterday you discussed how the development of the new device influenced Suzuki’s improvement in the final stages of the championship. Would you say that today was your trump card, or did front row start play a bigger role in that podium?
“Of course the device has its share. After all, the other drivers also use it, so we can compete against each other on an equal footing. “
Speaking to Pecco, the Ducati 2022 package already seems to be in a great place to start. How do you see Suzuki for 2022?
“In my case, I think Suzuki has figured out what points to work on since the middle of the season and I know they work hard in Japan. I am planning some very demanding winter tests. I can hardly wait for the tests in Jerez. “