MotoGP in Indonesia: Honda test rider Aleix Espargaró replaces Joan Mir

Honda rider Joan Mir is currently suffering from a mysterious illness. For this reason, HRC announced shortly after the Austrian Grand Prix in September that the Spaniard would not be competing in Japan and Indonesia. MotoGP doctor Dr Angel Charte has advised him to rest.

At Motegi, Mir was replaced by Superbike ace Somkiat Chantra. The Thai rider did a good job on his return to MotoGP – he finished 14th and 13th, and even scored three World Championship points in the Grand Prix. This weekend, Chantra is back in action at the Superbike round in Estoril.

On the Tuesday before the Indonesian Grand Prix, HRC announced that Honda test rider Aleix Espargaró will be taking the reins of the RC213V at Mandalika. “Of course, it’s always a great honour to join the Honda works team in MotoGP, and I’d like to thank them for placing their trust in me to ride whilst Joan and Taka are recovering,” said Aleix Espargaró.

In early April, Espargaro suffered four fractured vertebrae and bruising in a serious crash at the Sepang International Circuit. The crash occurred during a test organised by HRC at the Malaysian circuit. The Spaniard was fortunate in his misfortune – the accident could have ended far more badly. “Following the crash at the start of the year and my injury, I haven’t had as much time on the bike as I would have liked, and we’re heading to Mandalika with realistic expectations, as I’ve only done a few laps and it’s a very physically demanding circuit – not to mention the weather,” the 37-year-old pointed out. “We want to find out how we can best help the team and Honda this weekend, and focus on that.”

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09.10.2026 - 02:55