Honda test driver Hiroshi Aoyama will replace Jack Miller next week at the Japanese Grand Prix. Australian Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS rider fractured the tibia in his right leg in a training accident, and the former Japanese World Champion will be piloting his RC213V.
Aoyama was a fantastic two-stroke driver in his time, and it was brilliantly that he became the last Champion with this type of engine in the intermediate category, facing very tough opposition with high-performance Aprilias.
Aoyama started at the Pacific GP in 2000 in 250, then moved to MotoGP in 2010. He won 9 races in 250 and was on the podium 27 times. In MotoGP, his best Championship result was tenth place in 2011 at San Carlo Honda Gresini. He has never been on the podium in this category.
Aoyama has solid experience in MotoGP. He has completed four full seasons since his debut in 2010. Becoming a test rider in 2015, this 35-year-old Japanese is working on the development of the Honda RC213V on which he will race at Motegi.
Hiroshi Aoyama:
“I would first like to wish Jack a speedy recovery. I hope he will be able to compete in his national Grand Prix at Phillip Island. It's never very pleasant to replace an injured driver, but I hope I can do a good job for Jack and his team at Motegi. I would also like to thank Michael Bartholémy and Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS for giving me the opportunity to race in front of the Japanese fans once again. »
“I haven't raced this season and it's going to take me a little time to get back into the swing of things. The positive point is that I know a good part of the team having already worked with them. It will help me as well as having a driver with as much experience as Tito by my side. I can't wait for this weekend to begin. »
Michael Bartholémy, team leader:
“I would first like to say a big thank you to Hiroshi for agreeing to replace Jack at the last minute, and to HRC for putting everything together in such a short time. I'm looking forward to welcoming Hiroshi to the team this weekend. Everything will not be completely new for him because he has already worked with several members of our team, which will help him find his feet. »
“I'm sure he will do a good job this weekend and I hope he will enjoy being able to race once again in front of his home crowd. Tito has been feeling better on the bike for some time, especially with the front axle, and this will be important at Motegi because this circuit involves heavy braking, as we know. »
Photos © HRC, Marc VDS, motogp.com
