RIVALS MAKE MIR MAN TO BEAT AGAIN

REIGNING champion Joan Mir starts the new MotoGP season today with a target on his back, his rivals tipping him as the one to beat.

The opening race is under floodlights in Qatar, and Mir believes he is perfectly placed to retain his crown with the Suzuki Ecstar team which took him to glory in the previous campaign.

“Last year we saw a lot of people able to win races but not able to keep the consistency, so if I have to say who is going to win, well I want it to be me,” said the Spanish rider (above).

“We have a competitive package, we know the Suzuki is a really great bike that works almost everywhere. But we come here starting from zero like everyone else.

“We’ve a great challenge in front of us to try and defend the title so let’s see what we can do.”

Mir’s confidence was backed by several rivals who believe he is the man to beat, including Valentino Rossi, Fabio Quartararo and pre-season favourite Jack Miller (inset).

Miller, who has switched to the factory Ducati Lenovo team, was fastest in pre-season testing but remains cautious as to whether the pace will be enough over a race weekend. “I feel as ready as I’ve ever been coming in,” said the Australian. “Testing was good but we can’t rely on that. The conditions on the day were perfect, so we have to come here with an open mind.

“Right now, Joan has to be No.1. Nothing has changed for him so he is going to be the one we need to beat.”

Rossi, who has joined Petronas Yamaha, will begin his 26th season in MotoGP. “I’m older but my passion for motorcycle racing is the same and the excitement leaving pit lane for the first time will be the same as ever,” said the 42-year-old.