According to Alberto Puig, withdrawing from Saturday’s running at San Marino Motogpu was the only way to get a “chance” at Sunday’s Grand Prix.
Mir sat in the pitbox on Saturday morning at the start of FP2, but ultimately didn’t go out for the session. He was later confirmed to retire from Saturday at the San Marino Grand Prix, but hopes to line up for Sunday’s race.
Honda HRC Castrol’s boss Puig said Joan Meal had a “big” compression in the neck.
“Yesterday, he (Mir) had a big collision and there is no evidence of a fracture, but there is a big (compression) in his neck,” Puig told MotoGP World Feed broadcasts on Saturday morning during FP2.
“The doctor was here, but already this morning he was not feeling good at all and his neck movements were very limited.
“The man is healthy, but we decided to stop today to watch tomorrow for the race.
“So he skips that day, he won’t do sprint races, and let’s see tomorrow how he can improve.”
Puig was asked what the likelihood that Mir would be taking part in Sunday’s running.
“I don’t know, I’m not a doctor! You don’t know because all bodies react differently,” he replied.
“He has a big compression in this area, so it’s not that easy.
“But certainly, the only way to get the opportunity for tomorrow is to rest today.”
Mir’s teammate Luca Marini continued his impressive Friday form in qualifying, securing his best grid position of the season in sixth place.
“He’s been a weapon since yesterday morning (Marini),” Puig said during FP2 before Marini placed that qualified performance.
“He’s happy with the bike and the items he recently introduced are working.”