Mir happy with ‘important’ podium, ‘good step’ made with ride height device
Joan Mir claimed his best result of the 2021 MotoGP season thanks to a P2 finish in today’s Styrian Grand Prix.
The 2020 world champion was in victory contention until the final few laps, however, Jorge Martin’ relentless pace - coupled with back-to-back mistakes from the Suzuki rider meant settling for second.
While victory wasn’t to be for Mir, the Spaniard’ second place finish is his fourth podium of the season after taking third in Portimao, Mugello and Assen.
"Yes I’m really happy, it was an important podium. Especially important because the team in Japan worked really hard, so to make this result with a podium and fighting for the victory here in Austria is a really great reward for the team," added Mir.
"About the race... I tried to give the maximum in all the race today, but Jorge [Martin] was really strong.
"I was able to stay there at the beginning, I was really comfortable behind, but then I had a couple of moments going wide in the braking (turn 3) and lost all the chances in two laps I think, because I was wide in two laps in a row.
"So, it was close today but not enough. I think we must keep learning, improving the bike, my skills, everything let’s say to try to be stronger next weekend."
Mir’s most consistent race weekend of the season came during the same weekend that Suzuki rolled out it’s first evolution of the rear ride height device.
And although Mir said it wasn’t an ‘advantage’ compared to other teams' versions - due to not being as developed as other teams, it was a ‘good step’ forward.
Mir said: "This device is not an advantage compared to the others (other teams), it’s just to start in the same condition as the others.
"Now we must continue improving this device because it’s only the first prototype and it can be improved and there is margin.
"Then we must work on the details of the bike for when the second evolution is here, then the third one, because the others have been using this device for a longtime. So, we need more information. But to make the race today it’s good information and a good step."
