Here is the news we absolutely did not want to see for Honda HRC Castrol. Joan Mir will miss this weekend's Australian Grand Prix.
Following advice from his medical team, it was decided that it is still too early for the #36 to return to action. Mir and his medical team will continue to assess his condition as he works hard towards making a comeback.
To make matters worse for the garage, Mir will not be replaced at Phillip Island. Honda HRC development rider Aleix Espargaro is set to undergo surgery in Barcelona after experiencing Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome during a private test at Sepang.
That leaves Luca Marini as the sole Honda HRC Castrol rider at Phillip Island. A lonely job on a difficult weekend, but that is the reality facing the squad as the grid heads down under.
