Aoyama sorry for Pedrosa but looking forward to COTA

Having been cast aside by MotoGP over the winter Hiro Aoyama became an official test rider for HRC and having sat out the Qatar Grand Prix the Japanese rider will make his return to the grid as Dani Pedrosa’s replacement at Repsol Honda.

“I’ve very sorry for Dani’s situation,” said Aoyama. “I know how demanding it is to ride a MotoGP machine and with the problem he had, it’s a great job to finish sixth in Qatar! I would like to thank HRC for asking me to stand in for Dani in Austin, I will do my best and hope to enjoy this experience with the Repsol Honda Team.

“The Austin track is very demanding and technical, each session will be important to learn the bike and get to know the team, but I am looking forward to being there and racing in the USA with the MotoGP riders. I wish Dani a fast recovery and that he can return on track soon.”

Aoyamha, the 2009 250cc world champion, replaced Pedrosa for one race in 2011 at the Dutch TT and finished eighth. Having started 64 premier class Grand Prix Aoyama has a wealth of experience but faces an uphill task to finish inside the top 12 in what looks set to be an ultra competitive MotoGP season.