JOAN MIR SET TO MISS QATAR AS HONDA TURNS TO JAKE DIXON

Joan Mir is set to miss this week’s Qatar MotoGP after blurred vision returned during the Malaysian Grand Prix, according to reports. Honda has not officially confirmed his absence or replacement, but WorldSBK rider Jake Dixon is expected to take Mir’s place.

The 2020 world champion had already sat out four consecutive races because of an illness whose details he disclosed only when he returned in Malaysia. Blurred vision was among his symptoms, and its recurrence during the race prompted him to retire. The report of his Qatar absence comes from The Race.

Dixon would be the second substitute rider on the Lusail grid. Gresini is expected to field WorldSBK runner-up Iker Lecuona on its sole Ducati, with both of its regular riders unavailable. Alex Marquez had surgery after the Malaysian race to address shoulder problems, while Fermin Aldeguer is recovering from a hand fracture sustained in Indonesia.

The event is already facing a reduced field after Yamaha withdrew its entries. The company cited its travel policy for the Middle East, a region affected by conflict since US and Israeli attacks on Iran began in February. With Yamaha absent, the grid is expected to number 18 riders, including two whose participation remains uncertain because of injury.

Trackhouse Aprilia’s Raul Fernandez is travelling to Qatar intending to race, despite missing the previous two rounds after breaking a finger in Mandalika. Jorge Martin has also said he plans to compete, following a wrist fracture in Australia that forced him to withdraw from the Malaysian GP. He had made his intention to race in Qatar clear after pulling out in Malaysia.

If Dixon’s reported call-up is confirmed, he will make his MotoGP appearance amid a weekend shaped by injuries, illness and Yamaha’s withdrawal.