Now official: Superbike ace Jake Dixon to stand in for Joan Mir in Qatar

There had already been hints, but now it’s official: Superbike rider Jake Dixon is set to make a MotoGP appearance this weekend in Qatar. The Briton will stand in for Joan Mir in the Honda works team.

“First of all, I’d like to thank Honda for this opportunity. Getting the call to ride one of these bikes is always brilliant, and I’m really looking forward to it,” said Dixon on Thursday ahead of the race weekend in Doha. “I think every rider dreams of riding for the Honda factory team in MotoGP from the time they’re a child. It’s been a while since I last rode a MotoGP bike, so we’ll need to take it easy this weekend and take it step by step.”

Jake Dixon can empathise with Joan Mir’s struggles

Joan Mir has been struggling with health issues for months, which is why he missed the Grands Prix in Austria, Japan, Indonesia and Australia. On his comeback in Malaysia last weekend, the Spaniard was forced to head for the pits on the ninth lap of Sunday’s Grand Prix due to dizziness and had to retire. “I wish Joan all the best and hope to see him back on his motorbike soon. It hasn’t been an easy year for me either, so I can certainly put myself in his shoes,” said Dixon, addressing Mir.

Jake Dixon spent seven years in the GP paddock from 2019 to 2025, securing seven wins and a total of 22 podium finishes in the Moto2 class. In 2021, he also contested two MotoGP races for Yamaha, achieving his best result – 19th place – at his home race at Silverstone. The 2026 Superbike season was marred by injuries for the Briton, but after regaining fitness in the second half of the season, he secured five top-10 finishes.

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06.11.2026 - 10:55