Joan Mir frustrated despite "a solid weekend"

The contrast between the financial results and the feeling is striking for Joan Mir. Facing the media, the World Champion MotoGP 2020 did not hide his disappointment after a premature end to the race, on the twenty-third lap, while highlighting the encouraging signs seen during the three days. "It was a good weekend for us, quite solid.""He explained first. Lucid from Friday onwards, the Honda HRC rider recalled that he did not anticipate such high potential as during the Sepang winter tests." "I said at the start of the weekend that I didn't see the same potential on this track as, for example, in the Sepang tests."

A great ride by @JoanMirOfficial ended early after an issue that made him retire😔#ThaiGP 🇹🇭 pic.twitter.com/2BQrhU5kse

- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) March 1, 2026

And yet, his on-track performances gradually defied these cautious predictions. Consistent and combative, the Spaniard found himself battling for fifth place in the final stretch, with the prospect of a result exceeding initial expectations. "Ultimately, we were very close to finishing with a great weekend and lots of points, fighting for fifth place. It would have been better than we could have hoped for."

The disappointment came four laps from the checkered flag. "Unfortunately, I had a problem in the last four laps, a problem that came from an external supplier, and I wasn't able to finish the race." Without going into details, the driver emphasized that the problem originated outside the team and that it was impossible to say more at this stage. Beyond the retirement, Joan Mir prefers to focus on the overall momentum. "That's how it is, we can't say much more. We need to learn, understand, and focus on the next race." A measured reaction, focused on analysis and continuity, at the start of the season where every point could count.

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