More bad news has hit Joan Mir. The Honda rider will be absent from the next two rounds, the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi and the Indonesian Grand Prix at Mandalika, as his health condition has not improved. The Repsol Honda team made the announcement on Tuesday, extending the 2020 world champion's recovery period.
Mir had already missed last weekend's Austrian GP. He retired on the fifth lap of the San Marino GP at Misano on 13 September and flew to Barcelona the following day for a series of medical tests. The results, according to Honda, revealed abnormal parameters in his blood test that require further investigation.
"Detailed analyses have revealed altered parameters in the blood test results that require further investigation and testing," Honda said in an official statement. The symptoms Mir experienced during the Misano weekend led doctors to recommend focusing on recovery while continuing to search for the exact cause of his discomfort.
Honda Loses Lead Rider for Two Asian Rounds
Mir's absence is a clear blow for Honda, who are enduring a difficult season. Moreover, the two races he will miss are home races for the Japanese manufacturer, especially Motegi. Honda must quickly find a replacement for the RC213V seat.
The situation is complicated by the fact that Takaaki Nakagami, who usually rides for LCR Honda, will appear as a wild card at Motegi with the HRC Test Team. Nakagami has his own programme and activations, so he cannot simply replace Mir. The most logical option is Aleix Espargaro, HRC's veteran test rider who is recovering from a serious back injury. Cal Crutchlow's name could also emerge, given that he substituted for Johann Zarco at LCR Honda for six races this season up to the last German GP.
What is clear is that Honda has not set a return date for Mir. The Australian GP at Phillip Island, 23-25 October, is billed as the last race at the iconic circuit, but Honda is not marking that race as a target for Mir's comeback. They prefer to focus on the full recovery of the Mallorcan rider.
Mir's Tough Stint with Honda
Mir's partnership with Honda will end on 29 November in Valencia. A four-year period that coincided with one of Honda's lowest moments technically and competitively. During his time with Honda, Mir managed only two third-place finishes, while crashes have been a major Achilles' heel. He has suffered 79 crashes in 70 races with the RC213V, a very high number that has taken a toll both physically and mentally.
Next year, Mir will begin a new chapter with a satellite Ducati at the Gresini team. But for now, his focus is on health. Honda, meanwhile, must quickly decide on a replacement to be competitive in front of their home fans at Motegi and Mandalika.
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Joan Mir will miss the MotoGP races in Japan and Indonesia after medical tests revealed abnormal blood parameters. Honda must find a replacement for both events.
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