Sepang. February 5, 2022.- The 2020 world champion is at a crucial moment in his career, as he seriously assesses his future based on what Suzuki is capable of improving in terms of performance to, at least, be able to have the weapons to try to defend the championship.
The two test days that take place this weekend in Sepang, therefore, become a real test for the GSX-RR 2022, which according to the project leader, Sahara San, has improved in all aspects.
“This first day we have focused on testing fairings and two chassis, and I feel good with both, but some things still have to be fine-tuned. It is important that tonight we adjust the electronics well”, explained Joan Mir at the end of the day, after finish with the 7th fastest time (1.59.067) after accumulating 68 laps.
The rider from Palma hopes to start making decisions this Sunday about which parts to discard and which to keep on this year’s bike.
“One chassis is better in braking and the other in handling. At the moment I’m happy, the times are not bad,” he said after losing almost 7 tenths to Aleix Espargaró.
The most important part of the novelties presented by Suzuki is the new propeller, after two years frozen by the pandemic, which should provide extra power.
“The new engine is positive; the margin compared to the first ones is not great. But these data may not be entirely reliable. It is true that this engine gives something more, and that the bike continues to maintain its character,” he said, a point that for the riders of the house is key, to maintain the sweet spirit of the motorcycle.
“We didn’t change the set-up much. We arrived, we put the bike on the track and the result is good,” he said.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is that the Spaniard was satisfied and optimistic.
“It’s only the first day, but I’m happy. I trained a lot this winter and this is a good exam,” he concluded while waiting for the second and final day, which takes place this Sunday.
