Joan Mir: I've heard the Brivio rumours, I’d be happy...

Reigning MotoGP champion Joan Mir has heard the recent rumours that his former Suzuki team manager Davide Brivio may not be entirely happy in the F1 world and is considering a return to two wheels.

If so, with Suzuki yet to find a replacement for the Italian, a return to his former team (which hasn’t won a race this season) or management role at VR46 (another previous Brivio employer) would seem the most logical MotoGP options.

"About the [Brivio] rumours, I heard that also," Mir said. "For me it’s not a problem if Davide comes back [to Suzuki]. he did a great job with me in the past and for sure I’d be happy. But rumours are only rumours, so let’s see."

After assembling a committee to absorb Brivio's roles this season, Suzuki has been openly searching for a replacement team manager for 2022. One rumoured option was Wilco Zeelenberg, but the Dutchman today confirmed he is remaining at the rebranded RNF Yamaha team.

"I think we need someone like Davide," Mir added. "The Japanese staff saw it and are trying to do everything to fix this situation. It was not easy to manage the situation when such a person like Davide left the team. Nobody expected it. It was difficult to manage for the Japanese (staff).

"It’s important now they realise we need that person and I know that they are trying to find one person. It’s a difficult thing because this person [team manager] is always really important in the team. It’s a difficult situation. But they are doing all they can."

Brivio won MotoGP titles as a team manager for Yamaha (Valentino Rossi) and then Suzuki (Mir) before accepting the role of Racing Director at the Alpine F1 team in January. He was last seen back in the MotoGP paddock in Austria.

If Brivio does return to MotoGP next season it will be to the sport's biggest ever 21-round calendar, although that's still two races less than F1 is planning.

"About 21 races, for us as the riders it’s not a problem. But the people working in this world, having more races means less time at home with the family which is the most important thing," Mir said.

"For me it’s fine. But I don’t understand F1. They will do [23]. It’s crazy. I don’t know how many races we can do during a year."

Meanwhile, with his own title defence mathematically over, Mir approaches the final three rounds of this season with the aim of being best of the rest.

"We still have serious chances to finish second in the championship. That is not my goal. But I will give everything to try to do it," said Mir, who is currently 27 points behind Francesco Bagnaia and 26 ahead of the other factory Ducati of Jack Miller.

"I’d be really happy if I’m able to do second this year. Let’s see. I know the Ducatis, especially Pecco is always strong. And their potential is really high."

Fabio Quartararo, who is an unreachable 79-points clear of Mir, can win the world title by finishing ahead of Bagnaia on Sunday.