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After the Sepang tests that had already shown something positive, Suzuki have confirmed their current state of form with Alex Rins finishing the last of the three days of testing in third place after coming first and second in the previous two days.
“I am very happy with the work done both here and in Sepang. Both my fast lap and the long run went well, and I completed all the work that needed to be done, I go home having done all my homework. Now I'm just waiting for the race. This Suzuki is more consistent, faster on the straight and more stable under braking than last year. We have made progress in all areas, but we can still improve, especially from an aerodynamic point of view. We tried some new fins, but they are really similar to those of last year. I will use the new chassis in the race, it gives me more consistency”.
Given your consistency during these winter tests, do you think this could be your year?
"This could be the right year for the bikes with corner speed, such as the Yamaha and the Suzuki. We wanted to further improve this area. Michelin brought us tyres that have more performance and longer life."
What are the goals for you and Suzuki?
“In the race I will have to fight to get on the podium; it will be strange to come back here after these three days of testing, but I hope I can do well. I feel very calm and confident for the first race. I will have to take the championship one race at a time, but I know I have made a good step forward over 2019".
Mir: "I constantly improved from Valencia to today"
Sixth place on the final day of testing and lots of good sensations. This is the summary of Joan Mir's days in Qatar. The Suzuki seems to be, together with the Yamaha, the most competitive bike in the field and Joan is ready to express his full potential.
“I am really happy, every day we improved our pace and lap time more and more, I have to continue like this because I feel I am on the right track. I'm really close to the best; I have the pace, but I have to evaluate it in the race, I have a good base, but these are just tests".
What are the steps forward compared to last year?
"The whole team has done a great job on the bike and, after a year of apprenticeship, I feel ready to fight with the best. The important thing was to improve day by day, from the Valencia race onwards."
The results on the track are very encouraging. Where do you think you have improved?
"It is the confidence you find after working with the bike every day. Last year was conditioned by my crash in the Brno tests which did not allow me to do a good second half of the season, but I think I am there now. I feel ready, my pace is good, and my fast lap is good too, although I know I can improve, especially in my fast lap."
