{"id":4922,"date":"2026-11-03T15:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-11-03T18:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/?p=4922"},"modified":"2026-11-03T15:02:53","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T18:02:53","slug":"jake-dixon-set-to-replace-joan-mir-at-honda-for-qatar-motogp-as-illness-continues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/motogp\/jake-dixon-set-to-replace-joan-mir-at-honda-for-qatar-motogp-as-illness-continues\/","title":{"rendered":"Jake Dixon set to replace Joan Mir at Honda for Qatar MotoGP as illness continues"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">News Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Jake Dixon is reportedly set to replace Joan Mir at factory Honda for the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix<\/strong>, according to information obtained by <em>The Race<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mir is expected to miss Lusail after suffering renewed dizziness and vision problems during the Malaysian Grand Prix<\/strong>, which forced him to retire.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dixon could make his first MotoGP appearance since 2021<\/strong>, returning to the premier class after moving to Honda&#8217;s World Superbike programme in 2026.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jake Dixon is reportedly preparing for a surprise return to MotoGP with Honda at this weekend&#8217;s Qatar Grand Prix, replacing Joan Mir as the Spaniard continues to recover from an illness affecting his vision and physical condition. According to <em>The Race<\/em>, the 30-year-old British rider is expected to join Luca Marini in the factory Honda team at Lusail, marking his first appearance in the premier class since 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The information emerged on Tuesday (November 3), just three days before practice begins in Qatar. Honda has yet to officially announce the change, but Dixon&#8217;s expected participation would provide the manufacturer with a replacement for Mir rather than leaving its second factory motorcycle vacant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dixon prepares for first MotoGP appearance since 2021<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dixon joined Honda&#8217;s World Superbike programme for the 2026 season after several years competing in Moto2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His first WorldSBK campaign was disrupted by a pre-season wrist injury, which forced him to miss the opening five rounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dixon&#8217;s agreement with Honda was understood to include the possibility of making substitute appearances in MotoGP when required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The opportunity now appears likely to arise because of Mir&#8217;s continuing illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dixon has previously competed in two MotoGP races, both during the 2021 season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He was promoted from Moto2 by Petronas SRT to replace the injured Franco Morbidelli, competing at Silverstone and Arag\u00f3n.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The British rider finished 19th on his debut at the British Grand Prix before crashing out of his second appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A return in Qatar would therefore represent his third MotoGP race start and his first aboard a factory Honda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/WSBK-2026-Inglaterra-Donington-Park-Honda-Jake-Dixon-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"WSBK 2026 Inglaterra Donington Park Honda Jake Dixon\" class=\"wp-image-1020311381\" srcset=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/WSBK-2026-Inglaterra-Donington-Park-Honda-Jake-Dixon-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/WSBK-2026-Inglaterra-Donington-Park-Honda-Jake-Dixon-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/WSBK-2026-Inglaterra-Donington-Park-Honda-Jake-Dixon-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/WSBK-2026-Inglaterra-Donington-Park-Honda-Jake-Dixon-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/WSBK-2026-Inglaterra-Donington-Park-Honda-Jake-Dixon-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/WSBK-2026-Inglaterra-Donington-Park-Honda-Jake-Dixon.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jake Dixon (Photo: Honda)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mir&#8217;s vision problems return during Malaysian Grand Prix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mir attempted to resume racing at Sepang after missing four consecutive rounds because of illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the former world champion&#8217;s comeback ended prematurely when he began experiencing dizziness during the Malaysian Grand Prix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Spaniard explained that he and his doctors had already agreed he should stop if the symptoms returned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&#8220;I started to get a bit dizzy on lap nine,&#8221;<\/strong> Mir said after retiring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He explained that he no longer felt fully in control of the situation and decided to withdraw rather than continue racing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Spaniard also acknowledged that his recovery remained incomplete despite extensive efforts to return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mir&#8217;s illness has affected his vision and caused fatigue, particularly under demanding physical conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The symptoms reappeared as his heart rate increased during the race at Sepang, prompting further medical assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Honda has not provided a definitive timetable for Mir&#8217;s return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/RD19_Sepang_Mir_2026-06997-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1020320166\" srcset=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/RD19_Sepang_Mir_2026-06997-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/RD19_Sepang_Mir_2026-06997-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/RD19_Sepang_Mir_2026-06997-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/RD19_Sepang_Mir_2026-06997-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/RD19_Sepang_Mir_2026-06997-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/RD19_Sepang_Mir_2026-06997-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Joan Mir (Photo: Honda)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Honda turns to World Superbike programme for replacement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Honda has already relied on several substitute riders during Mir&#8217;s absence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Somkiat Chantra replaced the Spaniard at the Japanese Grand Prix, finishing 13th and matching his best MotoGP result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, Dixon&#8217;s availability provides another option as Honda attempts to maintain its factory representation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The British rider would join Marini, who has continued competing throughout Mir&#8217;s absence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The decision would also give Dixon an opportunity to experience Honda&#8217;s current RC213V in race conditions, although adapting to the MotoGP motorcycle after a season in World Superbikes would present a significant challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His previous premier-class experience came five years ago, with different machinery and technical regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Qatar MotoGP grid faces uncertainty after Yamaha withdrawal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dixon&#8217;s expected arrival comes amid a wider participation crisis at the Qatar Grand Prix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yamaha has withdrawn its four entries because of company-wide travel restrictions associated with the security situation in the Middle East.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00c1lex M\u00e1rquez will also miss the event after undergoing surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other riders have been recovering from injuries, creating uncertainty over the number of motorcycles that will participate at Lusail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/motogp\/how-many-riders-will-race-in-qatar-motogp-grid-shrinks-after-yamaha-withdrawal-and-injuries\/\">The latest Qatar grid assessment explains how withdrawals and medical concerns have reduced the expected field<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dixon&#8217;s participation would help Honda retain two factory entries, although the final number of competitors remains subject to further confirmations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MotoGP has maintained that the November 6\u20138 event will proceed despite concerns about regional security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/motogp\/motogp-confirms-ducati-aprilia-ktm-and-honda-will-race-in-qatar-despite-yamaha-boycott\/\">The championship says Ducati, Aprilia, KTM and Honda intend to compete<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">British rider faces unexpected opportunity at Lusail<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Dixon, the Qatar Grand Prix could provide a rare opportunity to return to the premier class after his move to World Superbikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 30-year-old has extensive experience in international motorcycle racing, having competed in Moto2 before joining Honda&#8217;s production-based racing programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His expected return would also give British MotoGP supporters another rider to follow during a weekend already affected by numerous withdrawals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, his participation remains subject to official confirmation from Honda and any required medical or administrative procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Qatar Grand Prix begins on Friday, November 6, with the sprint scheduled for Saturday and the main race on Sunday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>GRANDE PR\u00caMIO<\/strong> is following every session of the Qatar Grand Prix this weekend, with breaking news, full coverage and real-time updates in its <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/motogp\/\">MotoGP section<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>British World Superbike rider Jake Dixon is reportedly set to make his first MotoGP appearance since 2021, replacing Joan Mir at factory Honda after the Spaniard&#8217;s vision problems returned in Malaysia.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1020311381,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"42wp_featured_image_caption":"Jake Dixon","42wp_featured_image_credits":"Honda","42wp_featured_video":"","42wp_ai_content_disclaimer":"","42wp_is_ai_content":false,"42wp_featured_image_hidden":false,"42wp_authors_list":[{"id":7,"location":""}],"footnotes":"","42wp_hide_from_automatic":false,"42wp_breaking_news":false},"categories":[38],"tags":[35,992,556,701],"42wp_author":[7],"class_list":["post-4922","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-motogp","tag-honda","tag-jake-dixon","tag-joan-mir","tag-qatar-grand-prix","42wp_author-victor-martins"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4922","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4922"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4922\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4923,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4922\/revisions\/4923"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1020311381"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4922"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4922"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4922"},{"taxonomy":"42wp_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/42wp_author?post=4922"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}