Joan Mir has expressed increased confidence riding the Honda motorcycle, a positive sign as he approaches the Thailand Grand Prix. After completing pre-season testing at the Buriram circuit, Mir acknowledged his renewed trust in the RC213V ahead of the new season’s opening race.
Performance Highlights from Practice Sessions
During the first free practice session (FP1) on Friday, Mir started by securing the 12th position. Despite the challenges posed by heavy rain in later sessions, he successfully adapted to the slippery and changing track conditions, delivering an impressive final flying lap. Although Mir’s Honda package is not yet as strong as some competitors like Luca Marini and Johann Zarco, both of whom showed considerable progress, Mir remains confident in the bike’s development.
Challenges and Targets for the Season Ahead
As the 2020 World Champion, Joan Mir is aiming to improve beyond a top-10 finish in Thailand. Reflecting on his prior performances, he has encountered 19 crashes over 42 races in 2023, an area he hopes to better this year thanks to the bike’s evolution. The rider emphasized the importance of confidence in difficult conditions, stating,
“In conditions as critical as those of this afternoon, the confidence you have with the bike makes all the difference. My confidence in the Honda has improved considerably over the last twelve months, and thanks to that we were able to fight to the end and achieve our goal.”
Mir also discussed the significance of qualifying and the unknowns ahead, saying,
“The situation was clear: everything came down to the last run. We achieved our first objective, qualifying for Q2, and now we need to work for the sprint race and the main race. I don’t know exactly what the weather will throw at us, but we’ll be ready for anything. It’s good to be back.”
Implications for the Thailand Grand Prix
Mir’s steady performance and growing comfort on the Honda bike reveal his determination to contend strongly in the upcoming races. The increased stability and confidence might help him reduce errors and crashes this season, potentially improving his standing in the fiercely-competitive MotoGP field. As the Grand Prix progresses through practice and racing sessions, Mir’s adaptability and renewed assurance could play a crucial role in his pursuit of better results at Buriram and beyond.
