Image: Supplied.

Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Joan Mir will remain sidelined with injury for this weekend’s 12th round of the MotoGP World Championship at Silverstone in Great Britain.

The Spaniard escaped serious injury while testing at Brno earlier this month, suffering pulmonary contusion, and while his condition has drastically improved in recent weeks, it’s not at a levelto return to racing.

“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 explained. “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 percent, 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!”

Team Suzuki Ecstar test rider Sylvain Guintoli has been named as Mir’s replacement for the British grand prix this weekend.