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Mir Clings to Q2 Spot in Jerez, Reflects on Suzuki Glory Days
JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, Spain – Former MotoGP World Champion Joan mir narrowly secured a direct spot in Saturday’s Q2 qualifying session at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit after finishing 10th in Friday’s time training. the Repsol Honda rider’s lap time was just six-hundredths of a second ahead of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Brad Binder, highlighting the incredibly tight competition in the premier motorcycle racing series.
Mir, 27, acknowledged that his performance reflected the current potential of his machine. “I think the tenth place corresponds to our potential,” he said. Despite the close call, Mir expressed encouragement regarding his race pace. “Today we were very strong in both sessions when it comes to racing pace. We were at the top.”
The session was not without its challenges. Mir cited the difficulty of maximizing the soft tire and dealing with yellow flag conditions, which can invalidate lap times. “Sure, when all the new tires open with the yellow flags – everything can happen. I was fast too, but always there was a yellow flag. The soft tire is quickly over, you don’t have many rounds with it.I was even able to drive three almost equally fast rounds, but the first was painted. It counts the same, nonetheless of whether you are third or tenth.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s qualifying,mir underscored the importance of a strong starting position at the jerez circuit,known for its tight layout and limited overtaking opportunities. “A good qualification will be important on Saturday. It is tough to overtake here, that’s clear. If you don’t start in the first two rows, the race has almost run.”
Mir also reflected on his past successes with Suzuki with a tone of nostalgia.”When I saw a 1: 37.4 in my fourth round, I was really happy. The last time I was in the 1: 36s was with the blue bike – with the Suzuki.” Mir’s tenure with Suzuki saw him capture the 2020 MotoGP world Championship, a stark contrast to his current struggles with the Honda.
While Mir is optimistic about his ability to maintain race pace, he acknowledged critically important performance gaps compared to the Ducati bikes, particularly when using soft tires. “With the used medium tire, I was able to follow the Ducati boys. With the soft tires, however, hide us.Even if you open the gas, drive us away – that always repeats itself.” He further elaborated on Ducati’s advantage in fast corners: “In the fast corners, it can also be a tenth of a second per curve that they lose us.”
The Honda rider also expressed his intention to consult with Honda’s test rider, Aleix Espargaro, to gain insights into potential setup improvements. “I haven’t spoken to Aleix so far,but I will still do it. I am curious what he worked on. I hope he is preparing a good setup and a good bike for Monday,” Mir stated.
Honda’s struggles and the American MotoGP Landscape
Mir’s comments underscore the ongoing challenges faced by Honda in the 2024 MotoGP season. Once a dominant force,the Japanese manufacturer has struggled to match the performance of European rivals like Ducati and KTM. The lack of a satellite team in 2024 is also putting Honda at a disadvantage, they are unable to collect as much data during practices as teams with more riders on the track. This makes it more difficult to fine tune the bike, and optimize the setup for the race.
In the United States,the MotoGP fanbase continues to grow,fueled by broadcasts on networks like NBC and dedicated streaming services.The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, remains a popular stop on the MotoGP calendar, attracting large crowds and showcasing the sport to a wide american audience. However, American riders have been noticeably absent from the top tier of MotoGP in recent years. The last American to win a MotoGP race was Ben Spies in 2011. There aren’t currently any U.S.riders in the premier class for the 2024 season.
The Ducati Dominance: A Counterargument
While Mir points to the Ducati’s advantage, particularly in cornering speed and acceleration, some argue that rider skill and team strategy play an equally crucial role. Ducati’s success isn’t solely attributable to superior machinery; their riders, especially reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia, have consistently demonstrated exceptional talent and racecraft.Bagnaia is currently leading the championship standings after securing podiums in both Qatar and Portugal.
The Importance of Adaptation and Setup
Mir’s comments about Honda’s test rider Espargaro highlight the critical role of adaptation and setup in MotoGP. Fine-tuning the motorcycle to suit the specific characteristics of each track and the rider’s style is essential for success. This involves carefully adjusting parameters such as suspension, engine mapping, and aerodynamics.
Results MotoGP Jerez, Time Training (April 25):
- Alex Márquez (E), Ducati, 1:35.991 min
- Francesco Bagnaia (I), Ducati, +0.103 sec
- Franco Morbidelli (I), Ducati, +0.162
- Marc Márquez (E), Ducati, +0.267
- Fabio Quartararo (F), Yamaha, +0.428
- Aldeguer (E), Dukes, +0.517
- Johann Zarco (F), Honda, +0.544
- Pedro Acosta (E), KTM, +0.639
- Fabio Di Giannantonio (I), Ducati, +0.645
- Joan Mir (E), Honda, +0.695
- Brad Binder (ZA), KTM, +0.750
- Marco Bezzecchi (I), Aprilia, +0.807
- Jack Miller (AUS), KTM, +0.863
- Maverick Viñales (E),Aprilia,+0.946
- Alex Rins (E), Yamaha, +0.966
- Raúl Fernández (E), Aprilia, +1.049
- Ai Ogura (J), Aprilia, +1.081
- Luca Marini (I), Honda, +1.086
- Enea Bastianini (I), Ducati, +1.197
- Augusto Fernández (E), GasGas, +1.228
- Aleix Espargaró (E), Aprilia, +1.401
- Lorenzo Savadori (I), Aprilia, +1.874
- Somkiat Chantra (T), Honda, +2.013
FAQ: MotoGP Qualifying and Racing
Q: What is Q2 in MotoGP?
A: Q2 is the second and final qualifying session in MotoGP.The top 10 riders from practice, including Joan Mir in this case, automatically advance to Q2. The fastest lap time in Q2 determines the starting grid for the first four rows of Sunday’s race.
Q: Why is qualifying so important in MotoGP?*
A: Qualifying is crucial because starting position greatly influences a rider’s
