The Suzuki rider started far behind on the grid, 11th, but in just two laps he was planted in the front positions and before the sixth lap he was already fifth, very close to the podium. However, after the eleventh lap of the race, scheduled at 20, Joan Mir began to lose positions and distance from those in front, seeing himself overtaken two laps from the end to finish 9th, a result that distances him a lot from the battle for title, despite leaving Silverstone second overall, although 65 points behind Fabio Quartararo.
“It was quite disappointing, seeing how well I started and the confidence in the first few laps, in which we made up a lot of positions. I had a problem with the front tire (soft) and it made me lose a lot of time. I did not expect it at all, a pity. It was not the fault of the choice of tires, although they all had the average in front, which for me would also have been a correct choice. But Fabio has won and he was on the soft, so you have to understand what happened today”, the 2020 world champion summed up the race.
A problem with the Michelin tires that has been a constant this year, as was seen in Austria with Miguel Oliveira’s leaky rubber.
“I don’t know, it didn’t have holes in the tyre, it’s not the same thing that happened to Oliveira, but I’ve ridden all weekend without problems with this compound and in the race in just ten laps it was already worn. This has caused me to waste a lot of time. I don’t think there is that much of a difference from the average. Alex (Rins) was able to brake well and be strong in the race. I had a downturn and it was difficult for me to keep the bike upright. You have to understand well what has happened and ask for responsibilities where the problem comes from so that it does not happen in other races”, said the world champion in a very harsh tone.
Quartaro’s victory, combined with Mir’s 9th place and Pecco Bagnaia’s debacle has put the World Championship very facet for the Frenchman, who now leads with a 65-point advantage over Suzuki with six races to go.
“The World Cup is very complicated, yes. But it is far from finished, otherwise I would not go to the next race. I will go to win and do my best. There are still many races left and anything can happen. Closing a championship is very complicated. What I am most disappointed about is for not having been able to give one hundred percent of what I had, which gave much more than for a ninth place”, settled the Mallorcan.
With the World Championship practically out of reach, Motorsport.com asked Mir if a version of the Mallorcan driver could now be seen taking more risks and pushing more to the limit.
“I always give one hundred percent of what I have, it seems that we are making a problem out of one of my virtues, I always go out to give everything and I don’t understand this question at all. Days like today are for surviving and enduring, that ninth position are points that at the end of the championship can help me a lot”, settled the Spaniard.
(Before continuing reading, click on the image to see all the photos of Joan Mir at the 2021 MotoGP British GP)
