JAKE DIXON LINED UP AS HONDA’S BACKUP IF JOAN MIR MISSES QATAR

Honda is preparing Jake Dixon as a possible stand-in for Joan Mir at this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix, as the Spaniard’s participation remains uncertain. Mir has been dealing with an unexplained illness for months and missed races in Austria, Japan, Indonesia and Australia while he and MotoGP medical chief Dr Angel Charte investigated the cause. Cleared to return at Sepang, the 2020 world champion retired from Sunday’s main race after experiencing dizziness. His Qatar start is now in doubt.

Honda needs another option if Mir cannot ride. Test rider Takaaki Nakagami is recovering from a broken left collarbone suffered in early October, while Aleix Espargaro is focused on testing the new 850cc machine. Dixon, Honda’s factory rider in the Superbike World Championship, is expected to step in if required.

The British rider was reportedly frustrated when Honda chose his Superbike teammate Somkiat Chantra to replace an injured rider at the Japanese Grand Prix, despite Dixon’s stronger results in the production-based series. Dixon has never contested a full MotoGP season, but he has some experience on the machinery: in 2021, he filled in for Franco Morbidelli at two races, at Silverstone and Aragon, with the Petronas SRT Yamaha team.

The Superbike season ended in Jerez in mid-October, with Dixon 19th overall. He has had limited track time this year after a lengthy hand injury sustained during testing at Phillip Island in February. Qatar also brings difficult memories: after a heavy crash there in 2024, lung problems meant he was barred from flying and had to remain in the country for a week before travelling home.

Honda’s contingency plan is in place, but whether Dixon will be needed depends on Mir’s condition.