JOAN MIR TARGETS SEPANG RETURN AFTER ILLNESS

Joan Mir is targeting next weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang for his return to MotoGP after an illness kept him out of three rounds. The 2020 world champion signalled his intention with a social-media photo of himself alongside his flat-track bike, captioned: “See you in Malaysia.”

Mir’s health problems first became apparent at September’s San Marino Grand Prix, where he said he was operating at around 50 per cent of his normal energy. Honda subsequently confirmed he would miss the Austrian round, with Takaaki Nakagami stepping in. Mir also sat out the Japanese and Indonesian Grands Prix. Somkiat Chantra replaced him in Japan, while Aleix Espargaro travelled to Indonesia as a substitute but withdrew before the Sprint.

Honda’s replacement options were unavailable for this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix, and the team’s difficulties deepened when Luca Marini was struck by a virus and forced to withdraw. MotoGP chief medical officer Angel Charte said Marini had experienced a viral illness and a high fever for three to four days. In the 48 to 72 hours before his assessment, muscle weakness caused by the virus had affected both his upper and lower body. Charte said Marini still had the same symptoms at a Saturday-morning examination and was declared unfit; his condition would be reviewed in Malaysia.

Mir’s expected return would come at a circuit where he stood on the podium last year. Sepang is also set to be his fourth-from-last appearance for Honda: the remaining schedule includes Qatar, Portimao and Valencia in November. After four seasons with Honda HRC, the Spaniard is due to join Gresini for 2027.