A severe rider shortage hits the Honda camp ahead of the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island. The Japanese manufacturer has officially confirmed they will field only one motorcycle this weekend due to ongoing health issues plaguing Joan Mir and a surgical requirement for their test rider.
Ever since Joan Mir retired from the San Marino GP race back on 13 September, the Spanish rider has remained sidelined from all competitive action due to lingering health complications. Medical teams continue to evaluate his recovery closely.
"Joan Mir and his medical team are working intensively to achieve his return to competition; however, they have considered that the Australian GP at Phillip Island comes too soon, so they will continue to assess his condition," read the official Honda statement.
Complicating matters further, test rider Aleix Espargaro—who previously stepped in at Indonesia—suffered a recurrence of arm pump during private testing aboard the new 850cc Honda RC214V machine at the Sepang International Circuit, ruling him out of the trip to Phillip Island.
"After voluntarily withdrawing from the Indonesian Grand Prix, Aleix Espargaro will not travel to Australia, as he has suffered from chronic exertional compartment syndrome during a private test at the Sepang International Circuit. The Honda HRC development rider will undergo surgery in Barcelona in the coming days," Honda explained.
MotoGP medical director Dr. Angel Charte previously noted that Mir had suffered from persistent energy depletion symptoms affecting his racing performance for months. Comprehensive diagnostic tests at Dexeus University Hospital remain ongoing to determine the exact diagnosis.
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