News Summary

Joan Mir has been ruled out of the Austrian GP after medical examinations revealed altered blood parameters following the physical problems that forced him to retire from last weekend’s San Marino GP.

Honda confirmed on Wednesday that Mir will not race at Spielberg from September 18-20 and will instead focus on recovery while undergoing further tests. The team stressed that there is still no clear diagnosis for the symptoms that affected the 2020 MotoGP champion at Misano.

Mir struggled with fatigue throughout the San Marino weekend and finished Saturday’s Sprint in 20th after admitting he was operating at less than half of his normal physical capacity. His condition failed to improve for Sunday’s Grand Prix, and he retired after five laps while running at the back of the field.

“Sadly today was the same as yesterday and I had no energy or power on the bike,” Mir said after the race. “I tried to ride by myself but there was nothing to be achieved and I thought staying out on track would only make the situation worse.”

The Honda rider travelled directly to Barcelona after Misano for medical checks. According to Honda, detailed examinations identified altered parameters in his blood work that require further investigation and testing.

With Mir having already experienced symptoms in Italy and doctors yet to establish a clear diagnosis, his medical team recommended that he sit out the Austrian weekend and concentrate on recovery.

Honda is targeting Mir’s return for the Japanese GP at Motegi, scheduled for October 2-4, although that will depend on his recovery and the results of further medical evaluation.

Nakagami returns with Honda at Spielberg

Honda HRC development rider Takaaki Nakagami will replace Mir in Austria, returning to MotoGP competition ahead of his planned wildcard appearance at his home Japanese GP.

Nakagami recently completed a test at Mugello and was already scheduled to participate in Monday’s post-race test at Spielberg. Honda will now use the Austrian GP weekend to continue development work with the RC213V before his Motegi wildcard.

The Japanese rider spent seven full seasons in MotoGP between 2018 and 2024 before moving into a development role with Honda. His additional track time has become part of the manufacturer’s efforts to accelerate the recovery of its MotoGP project.

Mir’s withdrawal adds another rider change to the Austrian GP grid. Maverick Viñales will also remain sidelined, with Pol Espargaró continuing as his replacement at KTM.

Ai Ogura, meanwhile, is targeting a return at Spielberg after missing the San Marino GP, although the Trackhouse Aprilia rider still requires medical clearance on Thursday.

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FAQ

Why is Joan Mir missing the Austrian MotoGP race?

Mir has been advised to miss the Austrian GP after medical examinations found altered blood parameters. Honda says further investigation is required and that there is currently no clear diagnosis for the physical problems he experienced at Misano.

Who will replace Joan Mir at the Austrian GP?

Honda HRC development rider Takaaki Nakagami will replace Mir at Spielberg. Nakagami was already scheduled to take part in the post-race test and is also due to make a wildcard appearance at the Japanese GP.

When will Joan Mir return to MotoGP?

Honda is targeting the Japanese GP at Motegi from October 2-4 for Mir’s return. His participation will depend on his recovery and further medical evaluation.