Can’t say Joan Mir’s 2021 was a bad season, with the last third place but the Suzuki rider couldn’t defend his title and the worst thing is that he didn’t even win a Grand Prix.
For this reason, he was very motivated when introducing the team. This was probably because the hamamatsu maker was very active in making up lost ground.
“Suzuki wants the title now. They have more pressure because we won the world championship in 2021, not just podiums – explained to Me – you want to win again. Last year Suzuki realized it hadn’t improved as much as its rivals, so over the winter they redoubled their efforts. I saw the difference when we got here: there are many more things to try.
Was it a surprise not to be competitive last year?
“They noticed that in the middle of last season. It’s not that they didn’t work and that the others worked harder and the Suzuki engineers didn’t like that.”
What makes you think the bike has improved this year?
“Well it’s too early to tell but I think they’ve been working a lot because there’s some new stuff that should be interesting. This track is special because some drivers are very fast here, but they have problems on other tracks. It seems that Suzuki worked harder than I expected.
What do you think you have done to improve?
“Of course we are a team and everyone works in their own area. In my case I have to be physically fit and that’s not easy because we riders can’t train on MotoGP bikes. We use different bikes but when you go from motocross to motogp or vice versa it’s a disaster. You’re shaken because you’re working different muscles in a different position. I’ve been working a lot this winter, and definitely I’m motivated and hungry.”
Their weak point is often pole position and reaction at the start.
“Yes, the first round is my weak point, but at the end of the championship I improved… that’s not my forte, that’s true, but It’s not the bike’s forte either. However, we improved in Portimao and Valencia. This year the goal is to show our true potential and not fall behind. A question of response times? No, I don’t think you can work on response times. Part of training is training your reflexes. You can do something in the gym, but nothing beats motorcycling.”
Do you feel a lot of pressure this preseason?
“The pressure is the same. I always have to prove that I’m among the best, but everyone does! You always have to give 100 percent and, above all, not make any mistakes. That’s the pressure: not to make mistakes.”
Have you perhaps changed your approach to racing?
“No, my mentality hasn’t changed. At the start of the season we start from scratch. That’s how it was in 2021 and that’s how it will be this year. Last year wasn’t bad because we finished third, but I don’t want to finish third again! “.
Another Suzuki issue is top speed. what can be done
“The driver cannot do much on the straight. You can work on getting the bike out of corners quickly and hitting the gas as fast as possible. Things like that, but on the straights it’s the bike, the engine, that has to push. Suzuki has worked in that area, now I don’t know if I can overtake some Ducatis on the straight, but we will certainly be faster.
What does it take to win the World Cup again?
“In order to become world champion, everything has to fit one hundred percent: you and the bike. If something is missing, you can’t do it. Sometimes the bike gives 60% and the rider 40%. Other times it’s the other way around, or maybe more. It’s a combination. What was missing in 2021? Judge for yourself… “.
Who is or are the drivers to beat?
“Fabio is the champion and he has the privilege of being the man to beat. Then there are a few other riders: me of course and then summit who was really strong in the last part of the season. Then there is Marc who’s back and was always strong. There will also be some surprises, some Ducati riders… it will be a more unpredictable World Championship than usual.”
All managers say that soon everyone will be talking about contracts.
“It’s early days. Some drivers are out of contract. Tests will be important to understand a lot of things. As a Suzuki rider I feel good, I’m at home, but it’s true that a change can be a good thing at some point. Nothing has been decided yet.”
Which bike worries you the most?
“Well, Ducati is the manufacturer with the most bikes on the track and it’s not the one you want to have up front in Grand Prix races.”