Espargaro Steps In for Mir at Indonesian MotoGP
Honda HRC has confirmed that Aleix Espargaro will race in place of Joan Mir at the Indonesian Grand Prix. Mir will miss the Mandalika event while following medical advice to continue his recovery. Espargaro, a three-time MotoGP winner and current Honda development rider, returns to competition for the first time since the 2025 Valencia round.
Honda HRC has named Aleix Espargaro to fill Joan Mir’s seat at Mandalika. Mir will sit out on medical advice as he continues recuperating.
Espargaro, a three-time premier-class victor and Honda development rider, last raced at Valencia in 2025. Across 14 full seasons in MotoGP, he earned 12 podium finishes. Although familiar with Lombok, recent injury has reduced his Honda track time. His weekend aim is to regain feel with the RC213V before returning to development duties.
Espargaro’s return could give Indonesian fans a familiar name to support and may boost interest in the Mandalika round. For Honda, his feedback may help bridge race weekends and development work, while Mir’s absence could affect team continuity. The wider MotoGP audience may see a veteran substitute, but the outcome likely remains a small, temporary storyline rather than a major societal shift.