Joan Mir cleared to return for Malaysian MotoGP after four missed rounds

Joan Mir has been cleared by his medical team to return with Honda HRC at the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang, scheduled for October 30 to November 1. The 2020 MotoGP world champion has missed four Grands Prix following his retirement from the San Marino round. His return would put Honda back on track to field both factory riders, although teammate Luca Marini still needs medical clearance to compete.

Honda said Mir had received approval to ride again after a medical issue. Motorcycle.com reported that Honda had earlier described altered blood parameters, while MotoGP chief medical officer Dr. Angel Charte described symptoms affecting Mir’s energy and performance over several months. Honda has not specified a diagnosis in its return announcement.

Mir’s first MotoGP weekend since September

‘The doctors have given me the green light to return,’ Mir said in Honda’s announcement. He called Sepang a familiar circuit with good memories for him and the team. His immediate priority, he said, is to ride again, reconnect with Honda and assess how he feels on the bike. He has ridden other kinds of motorcycles during the past week, but has yet to resume a MotoGP race weekend.

Marini awaits a medical check for Sepang

Marini is also aiming to return after being ruled unfit at the Australian round because of a virus. Honda said his condition was improving, but that he must undergo a medical check before it can confirm his participation in Malaysia. Motorcycle.com reported that he completed only a couple of laps at Phillip Island before concentrating on recovery.

Marini said he was feeling better and had returned to the gym, while cautioning that riding a MotoGP bike presents a different demand. He described Sepang as physically demanding and said the team would adjust its approach to conserve energy for Sunday, depending in part on the weather. Honda lists the Malaysian Grand Prix as round 19 of the 2026 season, running from October 30 through November 1.