Joan Mir will miss the upcoming MotoGP race in San Marino after injuring his ankle in a terrifying crash at the Austrian Grand Prix over the weekend, his Suzuki team said on Tuesday.
The former MotoGP champion lost control of his bike in a corner on the first lap at the Red Bull Ring circuit and was thrown into the air, landing hard on the gravel, which caused a small fracture in his right ankle.
The Spaniard underwent further tests on Monday and has been advised to rest for 15 days. The San Marino Grand Prix will be held on the weekend of September 3-4.
“Unfortunately I will miss the Misano race, but I am confident I can return in Aragon (two weeks later),” Mir said in a statement.
“It’s been a tough season, but I’m convinced that we’ll come back stronger to bring more joy to my team and to all of you who support me.”
Mir, who won the championship in 2020, has endured a difficult season and sits 12th in the standings with no podium finishes and six DNFs.
His future is also up in the air, as Suzuki will leave MotoGP at the end of the season due to financial problems, but he has been linked with a move to Honda.
His teammate Álex Rins, eighth in the standings, will join Honda’s satellite team, LCR Honda, in 2023.