Toni Elias will contest the remaining five rounds of the MotoGP season with Forward Yamaha.

The 2010 Moto2 champion has been announced as a replacement for Caludio Corti at the Forward Racing squad, with his debut to coincide with the Grand Prix of Aragon from September 25-27.

Elias, who last enjoyed a full-time ride in the championship in 2011, made a one-off appearance at Indianapolis this year when he deputised for the injured Karel Abraham.

The 32-year-old Spaniard is keen to return to MotoGP after spending the last season competing in the World Superbike Championship for Aprilia.

Elias will bring a wealth of experience to the team having contested six seasons in the premier class, which yielded a victory in the 2006 Portuguese Grand Prix.

“I can’t be happier to be back racing in MotoGP. This year I was already on track at Indianapolis but only for one race, with Forward I get the chance to finish the season,” said Elias.

“I wish to thank Giovanni Cuzari (Forward Racing team boss) and the whole team for this great opportunity. The goal is to work hard and enjoy the ride: the results will come. I am very motivated and enthusiastic.”

MotoGP heads to Aragon next weekend with Valentino Rossi leading the championship standings by 23 points from Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo.