MotoGP world champion Joan Mir has openly shared the difficult reality of his racing career, expressing deep concerns about potentially losing the most valuable years of his time in the sport. Following a breakthrough weekend in Austria, Mir showed promise with his best outing in two years for Honda, yet he conveyed a sense of urgency and frustration regarding his current trajectory.
Season Hurdles and Competitive Setbacks
This MotoGP season has tested Mir’s resilience, as he battles a series of setbacks including multiple crashes and a ranking far below expectations. Currently placed 18th, Mir trails behind his teammate Luca Marini, who, despite missing races due to injury, has accumulated more points. This gap weighs heavily on Mir, whose career once soared with the 2017 Moto3 world title.
In candid remarks, Mir admitted,
“I have the feeling of losing precious years of my career. I don’t know if they are the best, but they are very valuable.”
—Joan Mir, MotoGP Rider
Drawing a parallel to Formula 1’s Fernando Alonso, he spoke on the toll of enduring extended stress in high-level racing:
“You never know. But this level of stress, enduring it for so many years, is complicated.”
—Joan Mir, MotoGP Rider
Pressure, Determination, and Moments of Doubt
Despite the mental and physical challenges, Mir’s recent performances indicate a resurgence of determination. He acknowledged moments where the pressure felt overwhelming, sharing his darkest thoughts with honesty: I can’t take this anymore. Nonetheless, he emphasized that this sense of struggle has fueled a renewed strength, declaring, It gives me strength.
Causes Behind Mir’s Difficulties on Track
Mir attributes many of his crashes this season to pushing beyond limits in the quest for strong finishes. He explained,
“The crashes have always been due to excess desire.”
—Joan Mir, MotoGP Rider
Recounting a significant crash in Austin, he highlighted how ambition affected his control:
“This has happened to me five or six times this year, and it will continue. But I believe I have a better approach now.”
—Joan Mir, MotoGP Rider
Signs of Improvement and Team Progress
There is optimism within Mir’s camp as Honda undertakes strategic changes aimed at restoring competitiveness. With recent additions such as Zarco and Albesiano, the team is making strides toward regaining its former strength. Mir conveyed cautious hope, stating,
“We don’t have much time left to return Honda to the championship-winning machine it once was, but it’s hard to set precise timelines.”
—Joan Mir, MotoGP Rider
He further described tangible advancements in both bike performance and team operations, mentioning,
“Before, we were missing three steps. Now, there is just one left. We have issues to solve, and once we do, we will be able to compete.”
—Joan Mir, MotoGP Rider
Looking Ahead: Joan Mir’s Fight to Reclaim His Status
Joan Mir’s story this season is one marked by perseverance and passion, as he confronts both mental and physical obstacles at the highest level of motorcycle racing. As he aims to restore his place among MotoGP’s elite, the racing community watches closely to see if he can overcome adversity and maximize his talent before his prime years slip away. His recent honesty and resurgence suggest he remains committed to this pursuit, refusing to give up despite the challenges.
