Mir takes first MotoGP podium in Spielberg, Rins crashes out

Joan Mir: 2nd (+ 1.377)
Alex Rins: DNF (Lap 12)

The Austrian Grand Prix was arguably the most dramatic of the season so far, with horrifying crashes and high intensity action dominating proceedings, but ended happily for Joan Mir who took a superb second place, his first podium in MotoGP and also the first of the season for Team Suzuki Ecstar.

Both crews of the garage came into the 28 lap race with confidence after both riders felt strong with their GSX-RRs. Mir topped the morning warm-up and Alex Rins set good pace despite sitting out most of the session to preserve strength in his injured shoulder.

Both riders made a strong start to the GP, reaching fifth and sixth into the first corner. Mir quickly slotted into fourth place, before briefly making it into third. He was holding position nicely when a horrific accident caused a red-flag-stoppage to the race.

With the involved riders thankfully uninjured, the race restarted with a 20 lap distance. Once again, Team Suzuki Ecstar’s riders made great starts and were firmly in the lead group: Rins made his way into a promising third place and proceeded to set his fastest lap, with his team-mate just behind him. On Lap 11 Rins took second and then also the lead, but an unfortunate crash put him out of the GP. Luckily, he did no further damage to his shoulder and was OK. In position for his best-ever MotoGP finish and first top-class podium, Mir held onto third until a spectacular last corner move allowed him to snatch a great second place.

Joan Mir:

“It’s been an amazing day. I knew a couple of races ago that I had the pace to be on the podium but various things happened to prevent it. I got my first career victory at this track in Moto3, and for me this result is also like a win! I’m so happy to get second. I want to say a big thank you to all the team members who are here and working so hard to give me the best bike possible, and also to the crew who are at home and helping me. We’ve been through bad moments together and this great result is for all of them.”

Alex Rins:

“I started the first race well but I then I couldn’t keep the rhythm because I felt some locking, then I was behind the big crash and it was so scary – I want to send best wishes to the riders involved. In the restart I felt really good with the bike and the rear tyre, and when I was behind Dovizioso I knew I had the pace to lead, so I overtook him where I felt most confident in corner 6. But then I lost the front and crashed, which was a real shame. But everything is so close in this championship and I’m ready to put today behind me and focus on next weekend.”