The Thai MotoGP was a defining moment for the Honda team, showcasing a notable and solid improvement in their performance. Throughout the training sessions and races, their riders consistently demonstrated a closer proximity to the leaders. In the sprint, Joan Mir managed to scrape together a point by finishing ninth, while Johann Zarco secured seventh place on Sunday, a mere 15.2 seconds behind the winner, Marc Márquez. Additionally, Luca Marini contributed to the team’s overall score by finishing 12th.
Mir, who hails from the Balearic Islands, felt that he could have finished higher up the ranks, but the scorching heat, with temperatures soaring to 35 degrees in the air and 50 degrees on the asphalt, took a toll on his bike’s performance. “I was doing well, and sixth place was a natural position for me,” he reflected. “Although what could have been doesn’t count, I believe that since joining Honda, this has been our strongest race. We’ve felt comfortable on the bike, and I’ve been able to attack and overtake on the straight, but I’ve struggled a bit in the curves.” The bike’s performance was a testament to the team’s hard work, and Mir’s ability to push himself to the limit was evident.
With Burns
The heat was so intense that Mir suffered burns from his bike, which ultimately led to his accident. “I’ve been through a lot of frustration, but this hasn’t dampened my spirits,” he said. “We had issues with temperature on Saturday, and it continued on Sunday. I suffered burns on my legs, just behind the ischial tuberosity, because I was getting burned and was more focused on how to avoid getting burned than actually riding. I lost my concentration for a moment, applied the brakes a bit too hard, and lost the front wheel. It’s a shame because it doesn’t reflect our true potential in this race.” The incident was a setback, but Mir’s determination and resilience shone through.
Suspending the Race for Safety?
Mir believes that they were pushing the limits of safety, but stopping the race would have caused conflicts. Nevertheless, he advocates for changes. “In elite sports, ego plays a significant role. Who’s the first to say that the conditions are unrideable?” he questioned. “I think the extreme conditions we faced will be the most challenging we’ll encounter all year. Perhaps we could consider rescheduling the race for a different time, like they did in Qatar once.” Mir’s suggestion highlights the need for adaptability and prioritizing rider safety.
Optimism
Despite the disappointing result, Mir remains optimistic about the future. However, he acknowledges that the upcoming race in Termas de RÃo Hondo might not showcase the team’s progress. “I think Argentina won’t be our strongest circuit, as it’s a track that requires a lot of grip and traction, and it’s very wide. I’m curious to see where we’ll stand in Argentina, as it will highlight our weaknesses. Austin might be a better fit for us, but we’ll have to wait and see. So far, we’ve been competitive at every circuit we’ve visited this year, both in Sepang and Buriram.” Mir’s optimism is infectious, and his team’s determination to improve will undoubtedly drive them forward.