Joan Mir out of San Marino MotoGP, Danilo Petrucci to replace?

Joan Mir is out of the San Marino MotoGP after sustaining a fractured ankle in a heavy accident on the opening lap of the Austrian MotoGP over the weekend, with reports linking ex-Ducati MotoGP rider Danilo Petrucci as his replacement.

The 2020 MotoGP World Champion was flicked into a sharp high-side from his Suzuki GSX-RR at Turn 4 right at the start of the Red Bull Ring race, coming down heavily on his ankle.

Taken to the medical centre, Mir was provisionally diagnosed with a fracture to the talus bone in his right ankle before a visit to the Hospital Juaneda Miramar in Palma de Mallorca also revealed ligament and bone damage.

As a result, Mir has been prescribed 15 days ‘absolute rest’, ruling him out of the upcoming Misano event, Round 14 of the 20-event 2022 MotoGP season.

“After undergoing several tests, the doctors have advised me to take 15 days’ rest and another evaluation after that period. Unfortunately, I will miss the Misano race, but I am confident I can return in Aragon. 

“I want to thank Dainese and AGV for protecting me and avoiding a more serious injury after the hard crash I had on Sunday. It's been a tough season, but I'm convinced that we'll come back stronger to bring more good moments to my team and to all of you who support me.”

Medical Info #MotoGP rider #36 @JoanMirOfficial; a CT scan evidenced a ligament tear in his right foot. He's been declared unfit #AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/ROvZ1nV6ri

— MotoGP (@MotoGP) August 21, 2022

Sunday's accident continues a torrid run for Mir, who has suffered six DNFs in the last nine races, leaving him twelfth in the standings and without a podium finish.

With Suzuki quitting MotoGP, the #36 is set to join Repsol Honda next season, although the move is yet to be officially announced.

Mir now has until September 2-4 to be fit for the next round at Misano, which is followed by a two-day test.

Though Suzuki hasn’t announced whether it will field a replacement for Mir, his absence would have logically pave the way for Sylvain Guintoli to make one final MotoGP with the Japanese manufacturer ahead of its exit from the series at the end of the season.

However, the Frenchman has already ruled himself out as he is still recovering from a wrist injury sustained during the Suzuka 8 Hours.

As a result, GPOne is reporting Danilo Petrucci could make a surprise one-off return for his home event in Mir's place. The two-time MotoGP race winner bid farewell to the premier class at the end of the 2021 season and is now enjoying a title-challenging stint in the MotoAmerica SBK series.

Mir’s injury comes amid a torrid run of form that has seen him fail to finish six of the last nine races. Despite his absence from Misano, Mir is expected to be confirmed with the Repsol Honda team for the 2023 MotoGP season imminently.