Aleix Espargaro withdraws from the Indonesian GP and focuses on Malaysia 850cc test
Aleix Espargaro has withdrawn from the Indonesian Grand Prix due to physical exhaustion and lingering injuries from a previous accident. Honda is prioritizing his recovery for upcoming prototype testing in Malaysia to prepare for 2027 technical regulations.
Why it matters
The withdrawal underscores the physical demands of professional MotoGP and the strategic importance of development testing for manufacturers.
Honda test rider Aleix Espargaro , who was substituting for Joan Mir , will not take part in Sunday's Indonesian Grand Prix.
The 37-year-old, who retired at the end of 2024, was called up by Honda for the Mandalika weekend to replace Joan Mir, who has been medically unfit since mid-September.
In his role as a test and development rider, Espargaro suffered a serious back injury in April, from which he is only now completing his rehabilitation after undergoing surgery on his T3 and T4 vertebrae. The period of inactivity had left the MotoGP without energy, and after the first two days of action at Mandalika, he had already warned on Saturday that he was considering not taking part in Sunday's Grand Prix race.
In a statement released on Sunday morning before Warm Up, Honda confirmed Espargaro's withdrawal from the race.
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