Joan Mir makes fantastic fightback to Misano podium finish

At 11:00 o’clock the lights of the Misano World Circuit went off and the protagonists of the Moto3 class began to the immediately cheers of the crowd. It was a beautiful getaway for Joan Mir, who started from 15th on the grid. Meanwhile Andrea Locatelli also started well and was in the Top Ten on the first lap.

Fabio Quartararo came 18th, but the Frenchman cut a chicane and was forced by Race Direction to yield as many as 6 positions. Driven by the enthusiasm of his home Grand Prix, Andrea Locatelli started to push hard and instantly jumped to sixth position in the leading group. Nearby Mir got rid of Di Giannantonio and put former Junior World Championship rival Canet in his sights. At the same time Navarro fell while Mir passed Ono: the Leopard team was sat in 4th and 5th place!

The Palma de Mallorca rookie broke loose and began studying Bulega, takin in all the data he could as he looked for third position, the two rookies behind the two escapees Binder-Bastianini, who had a two second advantage. With nine laps to go Mir launched his final attack on his former rival in the CEV, recovering over half a second, the podium now within his grasp.

The last laps were thrilling: Bulega attacked but Mir responded immediately to his opponent of Sky Racing VR46 team. At the front Binder consolidated his points lead, but the talent of Palma de Mallorca impressed the most, taking his second career podium, rising to sixth place in the standings with 106 points.

The World Championship will be back on track in two weeks for the Grand Prix of Aragon, expected in 23 to 25 September.

#36 Joan MIR – 3rd
“An incredible race after a difficult Qualifying. But today my team gave me a great bike, it was really perfect. It was one of my best races, different from that in Austria. Start from the back and start to overtake on a very narrow track like this is amazing. Gradually I was able to catch the leading group and no one then managed to overtake me. It is a podium that tastes of victory!”

Source: Leopard Racing