Aleix Espargaro, Honda HRC rider and substitute for Joan Mir, has decided not to participate in the Indonesian Grand Prix set to take place this Sunday in Mandalika. His decision is due to the aftereffects of a serious back injury he suffered earlier this year.
Espargaro, 37, was called by Honda to fill in for Mir, who has been unwell since mid-September. After undergoing rehabilitation to recover from surgery on his T3 and T4 vertebrae, the rider has experienced discomfort that makes it difficult for him to compete on such a demanding circuit.
A statement from Honda, issued before the Warm Up, confirmed his withdrawal: ‘Due to the period of physical inactivity caused by the injuries suffered at the beginning of 2026, and the particular physical demands of the international circuit of Mandalika, Aleix Espargaro and Honda HRC have decided to withdraw bike no. 41 from the Indonesian GP due to persistent physical discomfort.’
The rider admitted that he felt very tired after his performance during the Indonesia Sprint, where he finished in last position, 38 seconds behind the winner Marc Márquez. He expressed that his legs were quite fatigued and that his physical condition was a determining factor in not participating in the race.
Currently, Espargaro is focused on the development of Honda’s new 850cc prototype for the 2027 season. His next appointment is a scheduled test in Sepang on October 14 and 15, where he will travel directly after his withdrawal from Mandalika, also considering the absence of his colleague Takaaki Nakagami, who was injured during the Japan GP practice.
The question now centers on who will fill Mir’s spot at the Australian Grand Prix, scheduled for October 25, if the Spanish rider does not recover in time.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
