Joan Mir has said that his podium finish at the Emilio Romagna GP was “unbelievable” after starting the race from P11 on the grid.
The number 36 Suzuki pilot qualified just outside the top 10 but was able to muscle his way to an impressive second, just behind the Factory Yamaha of Maverick Viñales, who started from pole.
Mir’s result puts him just four points away from the championship lead, which is currently held by Ducati rider Andrea Dovizioso.
“There was a moment where I said, “I don’t know if it will be possible but I kept my pace and then their [Pol Espargaro and Fabio Quartararo] pace dropped a little bit and I was able to gain a lot of tenths (of a second) very fast,” said Mir.
“So, you know, second position is something that is unbelievable, and I am so happy.
“Last year was tough and difficult with crashes and we didn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel most of the time.”
Mir also commented that he and Suzuki “expects to be a bit better in qualifying in Barcelona. I expect to come back like in Austria, and to start on the first two rows will be the main goal.”
When asked about whether or not he could fight for the championship, Mir said: “Not yet, because a lot of points and races still remain but we are mostly in the middle of the season so it’s like everything starts here now.”
Talking about his Suzuki’s performance in the upcoming Catalan GP next weekend, Mir says he expects it to be “a bit better than in Austria and here in Misano.”
“I will fight in the race on Sunday.”
