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How Mir became Suzuki’s humble MotoGP hero

OPINION: MotoGP's newly crowned champion has been a rare exception in managing to put together a consistent title challenge. But it's the way Joan Mir has gone about 2020 off-track that has been just as impressive as his displays on it

Lewis Duncan Nov 16, 2020, 3:56 PM

November has seemingly been a month of feel-good stories. The Americans voted for hope and a better future in the Presidential election; scientists have started to point us in the direction out of this COVID-19 nightmare with the imminent emergence of effective vaccines; AC/DC reunited its 'Back In Black' line-up for a new record; and Joan Mir ended a 20-year wait for Suzuki when he was crowned MotoGP world champion last Sunday in the Valencia Grand Prix.

That the 2020 season has been wrapped up a round early is perhaps the most surprising thing to have happened in this wild campaign. But when you look at the scorecard, that Mir has taken the title with a round in hand isn't that much of a shock.

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Author Lewis Duncan

Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.