MIR’S QATAR START IN DOUBT AFTER DIZZINESS RETURNS

Joan Mir’s return to MotoGP at the Malaysian Grand Prix ended early on Sunday after the illness that had sidelined him for four races resurfaced. The 2020 world champion had been absent since the San Marino round, missing the grands prix in Austria, Japan, Indonesia and Australia while receiving treatment for fatigue-related vision problems. Although his Sepang weekend had initially gone well, he retired from the race when dizziness returned in the 36-degree heat.

Mir was immediately competitive on his comeback, qualifying directly for Q2 on Friday and lining up 11th. He finished Saturday’s rain-interrupted sprint in 16th after stopping to change to his wet bike, then held 10th place in Sunday’s race. After nine laps of 20, he headed to the pits and withdrew.

The Honda rider said he and his doctors had discussed the risks of racing at a circuit where his heart rate would rise. They had agreed he would stop if the conditions brought on dizziness. “On lap nine I did feel a little dizzy. I wasn’t fully in control of the situation any more, so I decided to stop,” he explained.

“Honestly, a bit disappointed because I had to retire, still [with] the problems that I’ve been out for the last four races,” Mir told MotoGP.com. “The reality is that I get a bit dizzy at the moment still. So there’s still some work to do.”

He was unsure whether the heat alone had made matters worse. “I’ve worked so hard to get into a better situation,” he said, adding that he and the team would need to review and analyse what had happened. The weekend had gone well until the race, and he had expected to be in better shape. “We will continue working to try to solve the situation as soon as possible.”

The setback was particularly disappointing after a promising return. “Of course I’m frustrated, but I’m staying focused on understanding and overcoming this situation together with the team,” Mir said. Honda team-mate Luca Marini was the manufacturer’s leading finisher in seventh.

Mir is expected to be back on track on Friday at the Qatar Grand Prix. He noted that the circumstances there were “not particularly good” and suggested riders might not be going by choice, but said his main concern was his health. “I’m a little disappointed because I worked so hard to be in a good situation here. I thought it would be better.”