‘We have to win more than one race’; only way to stop Quartararo - Bagnaia-Mir

Joint for second in the MotoGP World Championship, Francesco Bagnaia and Joan Mir agree that only winning races can stop Fabio Quartararo from clinching the 2021 title.
Francesco Bagnaia Fabio Quartararo Joan Mir podium MotoGP, race, Portuguese MotoGP. 18 April 2021
Francesco Bagnaia Fabio Quartararo Joan Mir podium MotoGP, race,…
© Gold and Goose Photography

With just seven MotoGP rounds remaining, joint second in the championship Francesco Bagnaia and Joan Mir are aware that only victories can help them chase down Fabio Quartararo. 

The Yamaha rider has a season high four wins so far, while Bagnaia and Mir are yet to stand on the top step which has helped Quartararo build a commanding 47 point gap. 

Mir secured just one victory during his 2020 world championship winning campaign, however, it was the Spaniard’s podium consistency that led him to the title over Franco Morbidelli and team-mate Alex Rins. 

Last season saw many first time or one time winners, whereas 2021 has been more the norm in relation to a specific rider (Quartararo) consistently winning or finishing on the podium, which is why top tens and top fives are proving not enough to reel in the Frenchman thus far. 

Speaking about what it will take to overhaul the Yamaha man, both riders were in agreement that winning races is the only way to realistically challenge Quartararo.

"I think it will not be easy. Me and Joan [Mir] have the same points in the championship and we have like two races of difference," said Bagnaia. 

"So, we have to win more than one race. It’s really important even though last year Joan won the championship with just one win thanks to the consistency, but I think this year to win the championship you have to be in front more and to win more than one race. 

"To stay just in front of Fabio [Quartararo] is not enough with just two races of difference."

Unlike Mir, Bagnaia is still looking for his maiden MotoGP victory which has been tantalisingly close at times - Austria was one of those examples last time out.  

Suzuki were the last winners at Silverstone (2019) in the hands of Rins, which could be a good sign for Mir who believes clinching victory can bring with it a run of wins.  

Mir added: "I think that it’s really important for us to win races, not to recover points that of course is important for the confidence no? 

"Once you are able to win one race in the season everything is on point and you have the chance to win another. 

"I think that it will be difficult without winning any races to catch Fabio. Now we are getting closer to the end of the season and for sure every race is now more pressure, especially for him to approach everything. 

"We will try our best and we will see at the end of the season what happens. My strategy is not another one than to give 100% in the race."

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