Joan Mir Set for MotoGP Return in Malaysia

Pulse Sports Team 15:05 - 24 October 2026

Honda rider Joan Mir has targeted his return to action after being sidelined for several MotoGP rounds due to lingering health issues.

The Spaniard's struggles with a viral infection first surfaced in September during the San Marino Grand Prix, where he admitted to operating at barely half his normal energy levels. A week later, Honda confirmed that the 2020 MotoGP World Champion would miss the Austrian Grand Prix, with Takaaki Nakagami drafted in as his replacement.

Mir was also forced to sit out the Japanese Grand Prix, where Somkiat Chantra stepped in, as well as the Indonesian GP, where stand-in Aleix Espargaro withdrew just ahead of the sprint race.

For this weekend's Australian Grand Prix, the Japanese factory squad was left with no replacement options. The situation deteriorated further on Friday when Luca Marini also contracted a virus, ruling him out of the remainder of the race weekend.

The silver lining for Honda is that Mir is ready to get back on track. The Spaniard took to social media, posting a photo of himself on a flat track bike alongside the caption: "See you in Malaysia." This all but confirms his plans to race next week at Sepang, the circuit where he secured a podium finish last season.

The race at Sepang will kick off Mir's final four outings with Honda. November will feature additional rounds in Qatar, Portimao, and Valencia before the Spaniard moves to Gresini for the 2027 campaign, concluding a four-year tenure with Honda HRC.

Meanwhile, question marks remain over when Marini will be cleared to return to competition. Following the Italian being declared unfit on Friday, MotoGP Medical Director Dr. Angel Charte explained:

“Over the past week, Luca Marini has been battling a viral infection with a high fever lasting three to four days. Over the last 48 to 72 hours, he developed virus-induced muscle weakness affecting both his upper and lower body. During his evaluation on Saturday morning, these symptoms persisted, and he was declared unfit to compete. His condition will be reassessed ahead of Malaysia.”