Mir delays MotoGP return, Guintoli back for British MotoGP

MotoGP rookie Joan Mir will sit out this weekend's British Grand Prix as he continues to recover from the massive testing accident at Brno earlier this month.

The Suzuki rider suffered a 'pulmonary contusion' after a technical problem with his GSX-RR, causing him to miss the following Austrian MotoGP.

Mir had hoped to return for Silverstone, but his lungs are still not at 100% as well as a feeling of general weakness due to lack of training since the accident. 

“In the end I am not able to be in Silverstone for the next race and it is a real pity, but that’s how things are, and the first priority has to be my health," Mir said. "After the accident I spent several weeks resting, first in the hospital and then at home. I have started to walk, but after the tests it seems that I am still not 100%, so the doctors have determined that it is better to continue with my rehabilitation.

"I will start doing some more training so I can get to the next race in better physical shape and not have to take too many risks. I would like to thank the people who are beside me and taking care of me, my Suzuki team for their concern and the thousands of fans who have encouraged me during all these days and who have shown me an enormous affection. See you soon!"

Following an assessment of Mir's physical situation, Dr. Angel Charte said: “After the tests we have done we detected some remaining residues in the lung, and for safety reasons we think the best thing is that he does not return yet, and he first recovers to 100%”. 

“Now he must recover lung capacity and strengthen his overall condition after several weeks of inactivity. To do this he can start walking, running, doing some exercises in the mountains, and some limited motorcycle riding in moderation."

Team manager Davide Brivio said that Mir will now aim to be back on his GSX-RR at next week's Misano test.

"The Misano test will be a great opportunity for him to check his physical condition and get back on the bike in a calm manner so he can regain the ‘MotoGP feeling’," Brivio said. "This test will also be a golden opportunity to prepare for the next GP, and then hopefully for the Misano race weekend we will have Joan at 100% fitness and ready to restart his season.

"Our test rider, Sylvain Guintoli, currently testing in Finland, will replace Joan [at the British MotoGP] and we will try to use this weekend to get very valuable information.” 

Mir has taken a best race finish of sixth so far in his rookie season. Team-mate Alex Rins is fourth in the world championship.