Joan Mir admitted that the recent Malaysian MotoGP race was his most difficult yet, but he came away with an impressive reward.
The Honda rider earned his second podium for the Japanese marque in just four races, after matching his best finish from Motegi.
Although his rostrum appearance came after Francesco Bagnaia suffered a late puncture, Mir’s weekend performance proved he earned the podium on merit.
“It was a very difficult one, probably the most difficult, one of the hardest in my life,” Mir told MotoGP.com
“Tyre management, the bike was just sliding everywhere, it was so critical with the front, but we managed it perfectly. So, I’m pleased.
“We did 150% of our target and this is a thing you can only do when you have good confidence with the bike and a good feeling.”
Mir’s notable struggles on the Honda since joining the team in 2023 have mostly resulted in finishes at the tail end of the field or in the gravel trap.
The 2020 champion explained that he saw a possible podium on the cards in the Sprint race, but his crash on Saturday was something he wanted to put behind him in the main race.
He explained that Honda’s return to the sharp end was a matter of when, not if, after two and a half seasons of struggle.
“I never had doubts that Honda would be back, that’s for sure. That’s why, with the worst scenario possible, I renewed for two more years.
“I trust in this project, I trust these people and when we both trust each other, these things happen, this is the reality.
“It’s just a matter of time, a matter of work, so I’m very happy and this podium is also for them.”
“After yesterday’s race, the crash while fighting for the podium positions, I realised today it was possible, but that line between crashing and just being fast is very narrow with our bike.
“Also trying to make that difference going into the corners, we take more risks than the others.
“I didn’t want to see another ‘Mir out’, so I just wanted to finish the race but with a podium today.”
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