The new MotoGP champion Joan Mir launches the challenge to Marc Marquez. But the first opponent to beat remains box mate Alex Rins.
Joan Mir has a far from easy task starting March 28: defending the MotoGP title. The new Suzuki champion confirmed himself first in the final standings with only one victory in 2020, but with a consistency that would be the envy of even the Yamaha riders, who have won seven. The young Majorcan is not interested in dealing with other opponents, but now the confrontation with Marc Marquez counts. “There are many hungry lions on the grid, but you have to consider Marc – he told to Radio Marca – He is marking an era, we need to focus on him and win with him on the track“.
THE PARTNERSHIP WITH ALEX RINS
The union of his team and the balance of the GSX-RR proved to be the trump cards for the World Championship. Alex Rins’ injury has in some ways favoured his rise to the MotoGP title, his box mate remains the number 1 opponent. But within the team, tensions are not on the horizon. Davide Brivio also worked a lot on this and the hope is that we will continue along this same path. “I want to think that if there hasn’t been a number one in recent years, there won’t even be a number one now. Suzuki makes no difference, but it is clear that if when I arrived the new pieces were for Alex… Now who should that piece go to?” Joked Joan Mir. “You have to accept this sort of thing. If it was my turn in the first year, I guess now it’s Alex’s turn. Even if I think there will be no difference between riders”.
MARQUEZ AND BRIVIO
On the horizon, however, Marc Marquez appears, although there is still no date for his return. He remains the real driver to beat after the long absence after Jerez. “I want to really challenge him, learn from him and he from me. I can’t wait to have a head to head with Marc. It will mean that we are fighting to win the races. I work every day for this”, added the reigning MotoGP champion. The departure of the Italian team manager does not worry him: “Certainly it was very important in laying the foundations of the team. But there are many figures within Suzuki who can replace him and repeat the world championship feat”.