Here is a wild twist for the upcoming weekend: Aleix Espargaro is coming back to the MotoGP grid. Honda Racing Corporation have confirmed that the three-time MotoGP winner will step in for Honda HRC Castrol rider Joan Mir at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia.
Mir will continue his recovery following medical advice, sitting out this weekend with updates on his condition to be shared in due course. In his place, the Honda HRC development rider will take the reins of the Honda RC213V for the IndonesianGP.
Espargaro, now working as a Honda HRC development rider, spent 14 seasons as a full-time rider in the premier class and racked up 12 podiums throughout his MotoGP career. This will be his first race weekend appearance since the 2025 Valencia GP.
Espargaro is no stranger to Lombok, but he will need to get up to speed quickly. An injury earlier this year has limited his time on the machine this season. The objective for the #41 this weekend is simply to reacquaint himself with the Honda RC213V before refocusing his attention on development work behind the scenes.
