A lot was expected of the new Suzuki in the opening race of the 2022 season, especially after the great evolution in terms of power of the GSX-RR , reflected in the pace shown in free practice.
However, neither Joan Mir nor Alex Rins managed to put it into effect in Saturday’s qualifying and starting so far back on the grid ended up penalizing them once again.
“It was a very physical race. The pace was very high and I had a hard time in the last ten laps. We had a lot of problems with the front rubber, the tire was not working and it did not have the grip that I expected. loss of rear grip. It’s weird, because I’m one of those who take the most care of the rear tire,” Mir said after the race.
The 2020 champion, who remained in fourth position during the first laps, was losing ground with the drivers in front as the kilometers passed.
“I couldn’t do the last part of the race that we expected,” he admitted “and I have to congratulate the guys who were ahead because they did a great job and were very fast.”
“In the first few laps I preferred to stay fourth so as not to force the tires too much. I don’t understand why I couldn’t get back into the rhythm in the second half of the race. Also, I was on the medium tire behind.”
Despite the fact that the result is not as expected, Mir does not want to enter into a negative dynamic so soon: “I believe a lot in this team and the bike is going much better than last year. It is only the first race”, said the Spaniard for ask for calm
In terms of demand, Mir does not want to settle for what he saw this Sunday: “This year, this result (6th) has to be a bad race, we have to go up,” he said, being aware that his rivals have also improved.
“There are many brands in front of us, but it is the first race. I think we have more to say than what we have seen today. I am not worried, because I think we will get better,” he reassured.
In terms of top speed, the Suzuki has clearly improved, something that has become clear after fending off the Ducati. “And I’m happy because I overtook the Aprilia on the straight,” he added.
About the winner and the podium that was seen in Qatar, Mir was half surprised: “Bastianini will go fast in more than one race, but the podium was a bit unexpected”, concluded the #36.
