Malaysia: Joan Mir (Honda) makes his comeback after seven weeks

Due to a mysterious illness – the diagnosis has still not been revealed – Joan Mir was forced to miss the Grand Prix races in Austria, Japan, Indonesia and Australia. A total of three replacement riders – Takaaki Nakagami, Somkiat Chantra and Aleix Espargaró – were called up to stand in for him at the first three events. In Australia, none of the three were available. As Luca Marini was also absent from Phillip Island due to illness, the Honda works team did not field a single bike in Saturday’s sprint race. Thanks to the cancellation of the main race, the Japanese team were spared a further humiliation on Sunday.

It has now been confirmed that Joan Mir will return this coming weekend. After just under seven weeks, the Mallorcan is set to make his comeback at the Malaysian Grand Prix. Mir recently posted photos and videos of himself training on a flat track in his native Spain. He wrote: “See you in Malaysia.”

“It hasn’t been an easy time, and I’d like to thank everyone around me for helping me stay focused and work towards the ultimate goal,” the Spaniard said in an official statement on Tuesday. “Last week I was able to ride a little on different types of motorbikes, and the doctors have given me the all-clear to return. I’m really looking forward to seeing the team again and finding out what we can achieve in these final races of the year.”

Will the Honda factory team be back to full strength at Sepang?

The Sepang International Circuit could be a good venue for the 2020 MotoGP World Champion’s return. Last year, he raced to a podium finish there on the Honda RC213V. “Sepang is a circuit that holds fond memories for me and for us at Honda, and I think it’s the right decision to make my comeback on such a familiar track,” added Joan Mir. “The most important thing this weekend is to get back on the bike, reconnect with the team and see how I feel.”

By the time the first free practice session gets underway in Malaysia on Friday, Luca Marini should also have recovered. According to Honda, the Italian is on the road to recovery. A medical check on Thursday should provide final clarity on his participation in the Malaysian Grand Prix. However, the chances are good that fans will see both Honda factory riders in action this weekend.

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