Joan Mir to Skip Japanese and Indonesian GP Races
Honda confirms the 2020 champion will sit out Motegi and Mandalika while undergoing further medical tests in Europe.
Key points
- Honda confirmed on Tuesday that Joan Mir will miss the Japanese and Indonesian Grands Prix due to ongoing medical issues.
- Blood tests revealed altered parameters requiring further investigation, prompting doctors to recommend a three-week recovery period.
- Honda is seeking a replacement rider for the Asian double-header, with test rider Aleix Espargaró considered the most likely candidate.
The red livery sits silent on the tarmac, a stark contrast to the usual roar of the RC213V. Joan Mir’s name is missing from the starting grid lists for the upcoming Japanese and Indonesian Grands Prix, a decision confirmed by Honda’s Tokyo headquarters on Tuesday. The 2020 world champion will not be present at either Motegi or Mandalika, extending his absence that began after a premature exit in San Marino.
The issue traces back to September 13, when Mir retired on the fifth lap of the Misano race. He flew to Barcelona that same Sunday for immediate assessment, a journey driven by persistent discomfort felt throughout the Italian weekend. The quiet departure from the track was the beginning of a longer period of uncertainty for the Mallorcan rider.
Blood tests reveal unknown factors
Honda’s official statement notes that detailed analyses have uncovered altered parameters in Mir’s blood test results. These anomalies require further investigation, prompting the medical team to prioritize recovery over competition. Without a clear diagnosis, the doctors have instructed the rider to focus entirely on restoring his physical condition.
This three-week pause allows for a deeper understanding of the discomfort causing his distress. It is a calculated stop, designed to uncover the root cause rather than simply masking symptoms. The team is treating this period as essential for his long-term health, not just a temporary break.
Search for a stand-in rider
With the home Grand Prix approaching, Honda faces the logistical challenge of finding a replacement. Takaaki Nakagami is set to race at Motegi as a wild card with the HRC Test Team, but his availability for Mandalika remains uncertain. The Japanese team is likely to announce a specific rider for both events in the coming days.
Aleix Espargaró, the veteran test rider, emerges as the most logical choice to fill the seat. Alternatively, Cal Crutchlow, who stepped in for Johann Zarco earlier this season with notable professionalism, could be called upon. The decision rests on who is best positioned to support the team’s data collection efforts during this critical phase.
A chapter closes in Valencia
Mir’s time with Honda concludes on November 29 in Valencia. His four-year stint has coincided with one of the brand’s most difficult technical periods, yielding only two podium finishes. The physical and mental toll of 79 crashes across 70 races has pushed the rider to his limits.
As he prepares to join the private Ducati team at Gresini next year, this period of rest serves as a final bridge. It is a chance to leave Honda’s garage with his body intact and his mind clear. The sport moves on, but for Mir, this pause is a necessary step toward a new beginning.
