JAKARTA - Suzuki Ecstar team racer Joan Mir won his first MotoGP world title on Sunday, November 15, one week after claiming his first Grand Prix victory at the same circuit in Valencia, Spain.
The 23-year-old from Mallorca secured the premier class title this year in the absence of defending champion Marc Marquez who is still injured, finishing seventh in the Valencia Grand Prix won by Franco Morbidelli.
Mir celebrated the feat in his second year fighting in the premier class by wheeling and making smoke from the rear tires of his bike. No fans watched live on the circuit but his family was there to celebrate.
"I have been fighting for this all my life, I can't laugh or cry but I am full of emotions," Mir said as quoted by Antara from AFP on Monday.
It was the first MotoGP title won by a Suzuki rider since 2000.
In the midst of a chaotic season and overshadowed by a global health crisis, Mir's persistence made him a serious challenger and worthy of being a champion.
Mir's victory became a model of consistency through three runner-up finishes and three third place finishes before one win in 13 races that have been held.
Born in Palma, Mir rode his first motorcycle on a track near his home at the age of six, under the watchful eye of his father.
Ladies and Gentlemen, your new #MotoGP World Champion! 👑 @ JoanMirOfficial 🏆 # M1R | #ValenciaGP 🏁 https://t.co/WbF4xdoC0K
- MotoGP ™ 🏁 (@MotoGP) November 15, 2020
Several years after that, the world title approached him.
"This is a very beautiful moment and I am very happy," said Mir.
Mir arrives at the Valencia Grand Prix with a 37-point lead and that means he only needs to finish on the podium at the top of the race to secure the title, while a finish in fourth is enough for him if neither Alex Rins nor Fabio Quartararo win.
Quartararo ruined his title chance when he crashed in the race that day.
The 21-year-old Frenchman has won three races this season, despite his inconsistent performances, and is often seen as the successor to Marquez.
However, the Petronas Yamaha team rider was already shaky after the disappointing results last weekend and his luck did not improve in the race on Sunday afternoon.
Nice words from the new champion to the fans! 🙌 "The best title" for @JoanMirOfficial isn't the #MotoGP title but making the fans year a little better! ❤️ # M1R | #ValenciaGP 🏁 pic.twitter.com/GIZ33xxViv
- MotoGP ™ 🏁 (@MotoGP) November 15, 2020
Meanwhile his team-mate Franco Morbidelli grabbed his third win this season after being dominant from pole position and leading the whole race at the Valencia Grand Prix until the final lap where he got into a fierce battle with Jack Miller of the Pramac Racing team.
"There was a little wind from behind that stopped me from winning but we are happy to be back on the podium," Miller said.
Morbidelli and Miller overtook each other several times on the final lap before finishing 0.093 seconds away.
Pol Espargaro completed the podium for KTM after finishing third for the second straight time at Valencia.
Mir's victory is a provision for Suzuki who has the opportunity to lock in three titles, with the title race for the team and factory in Portimao, Portugal next week.
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