Joan Mir will return to MotoGP action at the Malaysian Grand Prix after an absence of almost seven weeks, with the Honda rider focusing on rebuilding his fitness rather than setting expectations for his comeback.
The 2020 world champion last competed at the San Marino Grand Prix, where he retired on lap five after struggling with a lack of strength and energy. His withdrawal raised concerns about his health, and he subsequently remained out of action while undergoing further medical examinations and recovery.
Honda initially reported abnormal blood test results that required additional investigation. MotoGP medical director Dr Angel Charte later revealed that Mir had been experiencing various symptoms affecting his energy levels and performance for several months. However, no definitive diagnosis was publicly confirmed, and he was advised to rest and undergo rehabilitation.
Source: iMotorbike News
Although the precise cause of his condition remains unclear, Mir has since received medical clearance to return after completing training sessions on different motorcycles. His return at Sepang will provide an opportunity to assess how well he has recovered and whether he can handle the physical demands of a MotoGP race weekend.
Mir is approaching the Malaysian GP without placing pressure on himself to deliver an immediate result. Instead, he wants to regain his feel for the RC213V and rebuild his working relationship with the Honda team after his lengthy absence.
“The most important thing this weekend is to get back on the bike, reconnect with the team and check how I feel,” Mir said.
The priority will be to understand his physical condition throughout the weekend before determining what he can realistically achieve on track. After such a long break, returning to full competitive form may take time.
The Malaysian GP also marks an important opportunity for Mir to resume his campaign before the season concludes. His experience at Sepang could help him regain confidence and prepare for the next stage of his career.
Mir is expected to leave Honda at the end of the season and join Gresini Racing, where he will begin a new chapter with Ducati machinery. His remaining races with Honda will therefore serve as a final opportunity to work with the team before making the switch.
For now, however, Mir's attention remains firmly on his return to racing. After weeks away from the track, getting back on the bike and understanding his physical limits will matter more than chasing immediate results.
