Joan Mir Withdraws from Austrian GP, Takaaki Nakagami Steps In

Joan Mir will miss the Austrian GP as further medical tests are carried out, with Takaaki Nakagami returning to MotoGP action as his replacement.

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Following the San Marino GP, Joan Mir travelled to Barcelona for medical checks after withdrawing from Sunday’s race. Detailed examinations found altered parameters in Mir’s blood work, which require further investigation and additional testing.

With the symptoms he experienced in Italy and no clear diagnosis at this stage, Mir’s medical team has recommended that he focus on his recovery and sit out the Austrian GP. The decision will give the rider time to rest while undergoing further tests and studies to determine the cause of his condition.

Replacing Mir in Austria will be Takaaki Nakagami, who returns to the MotoGP World Championship for the first time since the 2025 Japanese GP.

The Japanese rider, who currently works as a Honda HRC Development Rider, has spent much of the season working on future development projects. The Austrian GP will therefore give the veteran of more than 100 premier-class Grands Prix an opportunity to get back up to speed with the Honda RC213V.

Nakagami has previously enjoyed a number of point-scoring results at the Austrian GP, but his focus for the 2026 edition will be different as he prepares for his upcoming wildcard appearance at his home round in Motegi.

“I arrive in Austria straight from a private test in Mugello, but we have been doing a lot of different testing with a lot of different bikes. This weekend will be about getting back up to speed completely with the RC213V and the Michelin tyres ahead of my wildcard at home in Motegi,” Nakagami said.

Nakagami also expects Honda to use the weekend as an opportunity to test several items that may not normally be evaluated during a regular race weekend.

“Of course, I am sure that we will take this opportunity to try a couple of things that maybe the team wouldn’t normally do, so we can be well prepared for the future.”

However, Nakagami stressed that Mir’s condition remains the most important concern.