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- Aleix Espargar\u00f3 returns to MotoGP at Mandalika after suffering four fractured vertebrae<\/strong> in a testing accident.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Spaniard underwent two operations<\/strong> and admits he has not fully recovered.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Espargar\u00f3 will replace Joan Mir at Honda, making his first MotoGP race appearance since Valencia in 2025.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Aleix Espargar\u00f3 has revealed the extent of his difficult recovery ahead of an unexpected return to MotoGP at the Indonesian GP, admitting that he is still experiencing back pain after fracturing four vertebrae and undergoing two operations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 37-year-old Honda test rider will replace Joan Mir at Mandalika<\/a> after the 2020 world champion was advised to continue his recovery. Espargar\u00f3 has not competed in a MotoGP race weekend since Valencia in November 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His return comes only months after a serious private testing accident at Sepang left him with multiple spinal fractures and required surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Espargar\u00f3 still feels pain after lengthy recovery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Speaking to Spanish newspaper AS<\/em> ahead of the Indonesian GP, Espargar\u00f3 explained that the recovery had been considerably more demanding than observers might have realised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He suffered four vertebral fractures, including two broken and two compressed vertebrae, before undergoing two surgical procedures. One operation involved stabilising the affected section of his spine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Espargar\u00f3 said he was happy to return but acknowledged that his back still becomes painful and fatigued<\/strong>, particularly after physical exertion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He described the rehabilitation process as longer and harder than it had appeared from outside, while expressing gratitude for the opportunity to race again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Spaniard had previously revealed that one of his operations lasted more than six hours, with surgeons stabilising four vertebrae.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/2025-MotoGP-rd12_Czechia_P_0007_S-1024x683.jpg\")
Aleix Espargar\u00f3 (Photo: Honda)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Honda return comes with limited preparation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Espargar\u00f3 retired from full-time MotoGP competition at the end of 2024 and subsequently joined Honda as a development rider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His 2026 testing programme was disrupted by the injury, limiting the mileage available to evaluate the RC213V.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Honda nevertheless turned to him for Indonesia because Mir remains unavailable, while other potential substitutes have their own commitments or injury concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The manufacturer has emphasised that the objective is to allow Espargar\u00f3 to regain familiarity with the motorcycle and contribute to development rather than impose ambitious race-result expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As GRANDE PR\u00caMIO<\/a><\/strong> previously reported<\/a>, Espargar\u00f3’s appearance also makes him the 32nd different rider to participate in the 2026 MotoGP season<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mandalika will test his physical condition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Mandalika is particularly demanding because of its heat, humidity and rapid changes of direction, placing considerable strain on riders over a race distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Espargar\u00f3 acknowledged before travelling that he had completed only limited laps since his injury and would approach the weekend with realistic expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His return will also reunite him with Honda’s factory racing operation, including the crew led by Santi Hern\u00e1ndez.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- The Spaniard underwent two operations<\/strong> and admits he has not fully recovered.<\/li>\n\n\n\n