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Factory Honda WorldSBK rider Jake Dixon will make his first appearance in MotoGP as a Honda competitor at this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix, stepping in to replace Joan Mir. Dixon, a former BSB runner-up who was previously reported as potential Qatar MotoGP stand-in for Mir, has been handed his first premier-class appearance in five years. The outing also marks his first appearance in the Grand Prix paddock since 2025, following his departure from Moto2 at the conclusion of that season.
Mir Sidelined Following Setback in Malaysia
The substitution comes after Mir attempted to make his return from illness at the Malaysian Grand Prix last week. The factory rider had initially sought to resume competition following fatigue-based vision issues, participating last weekend at Sepang. However, Mir was forced to retire halfway through the Grand Prix when dizziness returned, leaving him sidelined for the upcoming round in Qatar.
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Previous MotoGP Starts and Luca Marini
Dixon will slot in alongside Luca Marini at HRC for the event. Marini is approaching the end of his time with the team ahead of his planned move to the Tech3 KTM team in 2027. Dixon previously made two MotoGP appearances with the Petronas Yamaha SRT squad in 2021, riding alongside nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi on both occasions.
Dixon on the Factory Opportunity
Speaking about what he termed a dream opportunity to represent HRC in MotoGP, Dixon expressed his gratitude to Honda HRC for the call. Noting that it had been a little while since he last rode a premier-class machine, Dixon explained that they needed to "take the weekend steady and go step by step." He added that he wished Mir well and hoped to see him back on the bike soon, explaining that he sympathized with him following his own non-straightforward season and aimed to make the most of the weekend.
Paddock Sentiment Ahead of Qatar Grand Prix
Dixon’s return arrives amid wider paddock tension surrounding the event. During the previous round in Malaysia, it became clear that nearly the entire grid did not want to race in Qatar due to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Israel, against Iran. Despite nineteen of the twenty-two riders not being in favour of racing this weekend, MotoGP is continuing with its plans to run the Grand Prix.
