Joan Mir Admits It Will Be Difficult To Defend The Title If Marc Marquez Returns
The MotoGP champion for the 2020 season, Joan Mir, is reluctant to be too confident about defending his title in the 2021 campaign, especially since Marc Marquez is also getting closer to his comeback.
Marc Marquez, who had been sidelined due to an injury for a full season, finally started working on motorbikes again. In fact, the Repsol Honda Rider underwent his first training with the RC213V-S motorbike at the Barcelona Circuit last week.
His improved condition will allow the eight-time world champion to appear in the first series of the 2021 MotoGP season in Qatar on March 28.
Of course the return of Marc Marquez is good news for Honda, but not for its rivals including Joan Mir.
The Suzuki Ecstar rider succeeded in becoming world champion in the 2021 season yesterday, where it is undeniable that his success was also due to the absence of Marc Marquez who made the competition even more open.
Joan Mir himself cannot deny that the return of Marc Marquez will make it difficult for him to defend the world title, even though he is technically ready.
“I think it is difficult, as usual. If you asked me last year, I would also say it was impossible (to win a title). This year I saw it was difficult, but we have a chance. Our bike is working well, and I also feel ready.”
“The key is to always be in front of every race at a higher speed. However, I think there is a plus point if Marc returns. He will be an opponent who will be very difficult to beat, and this will make the competition extra difficult, “he said as quoted by MotosanGP.
Meanwhile, in trials at the Losail Circuit last March 6-12, actually Joan Mir’s performance was not that impressive, he was lagging behind in several aspects including speed.
However, the rhythm of this Spanish rider’s racing is quite convincing.
“It’s clear in Qatar we lack top speed, especially in order to defend ourselves in the race. Maybe one day of additional testing can make me more comfortable driving,” he concluded.