Here's the thing, as The Race reports: Joan Mir is still facing a deeply worrying health battle that will keep the Honda MotoGP rider sidelined for two more rounds of the 2026 season. Unfortunately, a definitive diagnosis regarding his affliction is still completely out of reach.
Mir suffered a severe lack of strength and energy all through the Misano weekend. After retiring from the grand prix there, he was already forced to sit out the Red Bull Ring weekend because of bloodwork findings that were described as inconclusive.
Consequently, I have advised him against participating in the Japanese and Indonesian Grands Prix. His condition will continue to be closely monitored by my team.
According to Honda, the machine-testing rider has undergone continuous medical examinations since Tuesday at the Dexeus University Hospital in Barcelona. Crucially, MotoGP medical chief Dr Angel Charte serves as a director at that very hospital, yet those tests have stubbornly remained inconclusive. Even more concerning, Honda revealed that these sapping symptoms have quietly been present for several months.
Dr Charte explained the situation directly in a statement released by Honda, noting the rider's struggles. "Joan Mir has been experiencing a variety of symptoms impacting his energy and performance for several months with a recent increase in severity, the cause is still unconfirmed at this time," Dr Charte said.
The medical directive is absolute. Due to the persistence and severity of the condition, Mir is ordered to observe strict rest and undergo various treatments for the next 15 days. Dr Charte confirmed the motorsport consequences: "Consequently, I have advised him against participating in the Japanese and Indonesian Grands Prix. His condition will continue to be closely monitored by my team."
Now, Honda faces a sudden vacancy and says it will announce Mir's replacement in due course. Tester Takaaki Nakagami stepped up admirably at the Red Bull Ring, though he is already entered into his home round at Motegi as a wildcard. That said, he could potentially be simply shifted into the main factory line-up again to cover the seat.
