Mir: It’s a shame that the season is coming to an end, I feel really competitive

Joan Mir is disappointed the 2021 MotoGP season will end after today’s Valencia Grand Prix due to finding recent improvements; ‘It’s a shame that the season is coming to an end. I feel really competitive. I’m able to be fast with new tyres and our pace is not bad’.
Joan Mir , Valencia MotoGP. 13 November 2021
Joan Mir , Valencia MotoGP. 13 November 2021
© Gold and Goose Photography

Suzuki rider Joan Mir will start today’s Valencia MotoGP from fourth following another strong qualifying session.

Mir’s P4 finish comes a week after taking a first ever MotoGP front row, while team-mate Alex Rins joins him on the second row with sixth. 

Suzuki have found a whole raft of potential over one lap since September’s Misano test, a test which saw them bring their second installation of the rear ride height device. 

And although the team’s step-forward in terms of qualifying pace didn’t quite produce the results expected at COTA and Misano, Mir’s last two race weekends have shown huge potential.

While qualifying was Suzuki’s big weakness over the last few years, the Japanese manufacturer’s recent performance gains has also resulted in Mir finding extra pace in race trim, something that could see him challenge for a first win of 2021 during today’s season finale. 

Speaking after qualifying, Mir said: "It’s a shame that the season is coming to an end. I feel really competitive. I’m able to be fast with new tyres and our pace is not bad. It’s really competitive. 

"So, let’s see what we can do. I’m just looking to do a good race; I’m surrounded by Ducati’s, again! Because of this it will be difficult to manage, but I will try to do my best, be as clever as I can and enjoy this race which is the last one. 

"It’s hard to fight with the Ducati’s, but we have other strong points which means we have to play our cards. 

"For sure, being competitive in qualifying has changed our weekends a lot. You go there with a different mentality."

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