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The hurdles threatening Mir's early MotoGP coronation

Heading into MotoGP's penultimate round at Valencia, Joan Mir could theoretically wrap up the top-flight crown to complete a stunning season. But a crash in practice put a damper on his weekend - and his title rivals cannot be discounted yet

Lewis Duncan Nov 13, 2020, 3:55 PM

After all the madness that has erupted throughout 2020, the fact the MotoGP title will most likely be wrapped up with a round to spare this weekend at the Valencia Grand Prix is one of the least surprising outcomes given Suzuki's Joan Mir holds a 37-point lead in the standings following on from his European GP victory breakthrough.

The permutations are numerous, but the simplest maths to follow is this: if Mir finishes on the podium, regardless of where any Alex Rins, Fabio Quartararo (who are joint-second), Maverick Vinales, Franco Morbidelli or Andrea Dovizioso end up, he will end a two-decade wait for a Suzuki.

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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.