The Spaniard, in addition to having to fight against increasingly stronger and more powerful rivals, is limited by the limited technical evolution that Suzuki has introduced in the GSX-RR from last season to the present, a slow progress that has given advantage to constructors like Ducati or Yamaha .
Mir achieved two podiums last year in two races held in Misano , and he arrives at this new appointment with the aim of continuing to cut points from the solid leader of the championship, Fabio Quartararo .
“This is a circuit that I really enjoyed last year. I was strong in both races. We were losing quite a bit on the fastest lap and we are going to focus on that this weekend. It will be difficult to fight for a podium here again, but I will try. The bike works well on this track and we have things to prove”, explained Mir this Thursday in the preview of the San Marino Grand Prix.
One of Suzuki ‘s clearest handicaps compared to the rest is the rear device that lowers the suspension, an element that allows gaining grip and acceleration when exiting corners. The team implemented it in the double in Austria , but in Aragón Mir could not carry it as it lost more than it won.
“We are going to test the rear device on this track. I don’t know if we’re going to take it on Sunday. We gain a lot of acceleration, but we lose a lot of time in the braking zone. We will see what the team brings us to keep the extra acceleration without losing in other areas, “he explained.
Another of Suzuki ‘s shortcomings compared to the rest of the leading manufacturers is that it does not have a satellite team and the information is reduced to two riders, against the six of Ducati or the four of Yamaha and Honda .
“Of course it would be very helpful to have a satellite team. Sometimes we are missing a bit of information with only two riders, and if one is not performing well you only have good information. So that would be a great help and help Suzuki raise the level”, admitted the Spaniard.
“But if the factory decides not to have it, it will be for a reason. It is better to dedicate all the efforts to two bikes than not to be completely sure and spread the efforts over four. You can’t cover too much and squeeze too little. If they prefer to wait in that aspect, I agree with them”, he agreed.
With five races to go and 57 points to cut, the help of teammates was already on the table in Misano.
“Help is always welcome, but the specific and determined situation has to be given for it to happen. Now Fabio is too far away to make strategies, but if the situation changes I have no doubt that I will have Alex’s support”, in reference to his teammate Alex Rins .
Next week an official test is held on this same two-day circuit, in which Suzuki must find the key to its rear device.
“I think we have some elements of 2022, which is important to test, but we have to prioritize this year and finish in the best position we can with a good drive and performance. Let’s see if we can make the click that we need. Looking ahead to the test we have new specifications and a lot to prove for 2022”, settled a Mir who, when asked if he already knew who was going to be the new Team Manager for next year, assured: “I have no idea. I hope to have news about it soon”, admitting that he hopes there is.
(Click on the link or on the image to see the photos of Joan Mir’s 2021 season in MotoGP)
