Joan Mir Set for MotoGP Return at Malaysian GP as Luca Marini Targets Fitness

Sepang, Malaysia, October 27, 2026: Honda HRC Castrol is hopeful of having both Joan Mir and Luca Marini back in action for the 2026 Malaysian MotoGP Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit, as the team looks to regain momentum in the final races of the season.

Mir, the 2020 MotoGP World Champion, has received medical clearance to return to racing after recovering from an injury-related medical issue. Meanwhile, Marini is showing encouraging signs of recovery after being ruled unfit to compete at the Australian Grand Prix due to a virus. The Italian must undergo a final medical assessment before his participation in Malaysia is confirmed.

The Malaysian GP offers Honda HRC Castrol an opportunity to make a strong push towards the end of the 2026 MotoGP season. Sepang is a familiar venue for both riders, with the circuit having delivered positive memories and results for the team in previous seasons.

Luca Marini Targets 200th Grand Prix Start

Marini has been concentrating on his recovery since Friday after his illness prevented him from competing in Australia. The Honda rider has reported an improvement in his physical condition and has resumed gym training, although he acknowledged that riding a MotoGP machine presents a different challenge.

The cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix race means the Malaysian round is set to mark Marini’s 200th Grand Prix start, provided he receives medical clearance to compete.

The Italian has been a consistent points scorer for Honda at Sepang, with his best result at the 5.5-kilometre circuit being eighth place in 2025.

However, the demanding Malaysian conditions, combined with the physical challenge of the circuit, mean Marini and his team will need to manage his energy levels carefully throughout the weekend.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t do more than a couple of laps in Phillip Island and since Friday I have been fully focused on recovering as much as possible. I am starting to feel better and have been able to return to the gym, but a MotoGP bike is always something different,” Marini said.

He added that the team would adjust its approach to ensure he has sufficient energy for Sunday’s race, with the weather also likely to play a significant role in determining the weekend’s strategy.

Marini remains optimistic about passing the medical examination and returning to action at Sepang.

Joan Mir Cleared to Return After Recovery

Mir is also preparing to rejoin the Honda HRC Castrol line-up after receiving the green light from his doctors. The Spaniard has worked extensively behind the scenes to overcome his medical issue and has recently completed riding sessions on different types of motorcycles to rebuild his confidence and fitness.

The former MotoGP champion last rode his 1,000cc MotoGP machine on September 13. His immediate priority at Sepang will be to regain his rhythm, reconnect with the team and assess his physical condition aboard the Honda RC213V.

With extensive testing experience at the Malaysian circuit, Mir considers Sepang an appropriate venue for his return. He will also be looking to finish his final four races as a Honda HRC rider on a positive note.

“It hasn’t been an easy period, and I want to thank everyone close to me for helping to keep focused and working towards the end goal. I’ve been able to do some riding with different kinds of bikes in the past week, and the doctors have given me the green light to return,” Mir said.

The Spaniard expressed his excitement at rejoining the team and returning to a circuit that holds positive memories for both himself and Honda.

For Mir, the immediate objective is to get back on the bike, establish a connection with the team and evaluate his feeling before setting further targets for the weekend.

Weather Could Play a Key Role at Sepang

The Malaysian Grand Prix weekend is also expected to bring the familiar challenge of unpredictable tropical weather. Following the extreme conditions experienced at Phillip Island, teams and riders will be keeping a close watch on the skies throughout the Sepang weekend.

Heavy rain and changing track conditions could influence tyre choices, race strategy and the physical demands placed on riders, particularly those returning from illness or injury.

For Honda HRC Castrol, having Mir back in the garage and potentially welcoming Marini back to the grid would be a significant boost as the team enters the final stretch of the 2026 MotoGP season.

While both riders will need to manage their physical condition carefully, Sepang provides a familiar setting for Honda to pursue a stronger finish to the campaign.