Honda faces rider shortage for MotoGP Australian Grand Prix

Honda will field only Luca Marini as its sole factory representative at the Phillip Island circuit this weekend. The team is facing a significant fitness crisis following the continued absence of Joan Mir.

Mir, the 2020 MotoGP champion, remains unable to compete due to chronic exertional compartment syndrome. He is scheduled to undergo surgery in Barcelona in the coming days. Previous attempts to find replacements have been hampered by injuries and scheduling conflicts; Somkiat Chantra, who previously filled in, is currently testing for Honda’s WorldSBK project in Jerez, while Takaaki Nakagami is sidelined with a broken collarbone.

This event marks the beginning of the final five races for Marini with the Honda factory team before his scheduled move to Tech3 KTM in 2027.