Dixon set to make Honda MotoGP debut at Qatar Grand Prix in place of Mir

Jake Dixon is reportedly set to make his first Honda MotoGP start at this weekend's Qatar Grand Prix, according to The Race's sources in the paddock. The World Superbike rider would take the place of Joan Mir, who is dealing with an ongoing illness.

Mir was forced to withdraw before the halfway point of the Malaysian Grand Prix after a recurrence of an eyesight problem that had also left him fatigued. He had previously missed four straight rounds. Teammate Somkiat Chantra replaced him at the Japanese Grand Prix last month and matched his career-best MotoGP finish of 13th.

Dixon, 30, has been sidelined from the early part of his first World Superbike campaign by a pre-season wrist injury and has previously made two MotoGP starts, in 2021, when he stood in for the injured Franco Morbidelli at Petronas SRT.