JOAN MIR RETURNS TO MOTOGP AT SEPANG AFTER NEARLY SEVEN WEEKS OUT

Joan Mir is set to return to MotoGP at the Malaysian Grand Prix after missing four rounds with an illness whose diagnosis has not been disclosed. The 2020 world champion last raced in Austria, then sat out Japan, Indonesia and Australia. Honda has confirmed that doctors have cleared him to compete at Sepang, where he last stood on the podium.

Mir’s absence began after he retired on lap five of the San Marino Grand Prix. He said at Misano that he had no strength or energy, but did not explain what had caused his condition. He will return to the RC213V on Friday, almost seven weeks after that retirement.

Mir had already hinted at his comeback by sharing footage of himself training on a flat-track bike in Spain and writing, “See you in Malaysia.” He said the weeks away had been difficult, thanking those around him for helping him stay focused on recovery. After riding several types of motorcycle over the past week, he said, “the doctors have given me the green light to return.”

The Spaniard is eager to rejoin Honda for the closing races of the season, but has set modest priorities for his first weekend back. Sepang is a familiar venue with positive memories for both him and the team, he said, making it a suitable place to resume racing. “The most important point of the weekend is to get back on the bike, reconnect with the team and check my feeling,” Mir explained.

His return could restore Honda’s full factory line-up, with Luca Marini also hoping to race after illness forced him out of the Australian Grand Prix. Mir missed the Phillip Island round, and Marini was unable to continue after managing only a couple of laps. With no replacement available for Mir in Australia, Honda had no bikes running after the opening practice session; the sprint went ahead without a factory Honda, while the main race was cancelled.

Marini said he had concentrated on recovering since Friday in Australia and was beginning to feel better, including returning to the gym. He cautioned that riding a MotoGP machine would be a different test. Sepang’s demanding conditions may require the team to adjust its approach to preserve energy for Sunday, he added, with the weather also a factor.

Marini still needs to pass a medical examination before the Malaysian weekend. He said he did not expect it to be a problem, while Honda described him as recovering. The final decision on his participation is due after Thursday’s check.