Joan Mir is expected to miss the Qatar Grand Prix after the blurred vision linked to his earlier illness returned during the Malaysian race. The 2020 MotoGP world champion had only just come back after sitting out four consecutive rounds, but he retired in Malaysia when the vision problem resurfaced. That setback now places his appearance at Lusail in serious doubt.

Jake Dixon is the expected replacement for Mir. The Honda WorldSBK rider is lined up for a possible MotoGP appearance in Qatar, although HRC had not formally confirmed the change. Dixon’s place therefore remains provisional rather than being an announced team decision.

A heavily revised Qatar field

Mir’s expected absence comes after several other withdrawals had already reshaped the event. Yamaha pulled out of the Qatar round, pointing to its company-wide travel policy for the Middle East. Gresini Racing is also set to run without both of its regular riders: Alex Márquez underwent shoulder surgery after Malaysia, while Fermín Aldeguer suffered a hand fracture in Indonesia.

Iker Lecuona, second in the WorldSBK standings, is expected to take Gresini’s only Desmosedici at Lusail. If Dixon’s entry is confirmed, he will be the second replacement rider in the Qatar field. The grid is consequently expected to fall to 18 riders, a count that includes Raúl Fernández and Jorge Martín.

Trackhouse Aprilia’s Fernández is travelling to Qatar intending to race after missing the previous two rounds with a broken finger. Martín has likewise said that he plans to compete despite the broken wrist he suffered in Australia. Mir’s latest problem adds another major uncertainty to a Grand Prix already heading into the weekend with a substantially altered lineup.