Dani Pedrosa has withdrawn from the Japanese Grand Prix after he sustained a fractured right collarbone in a practice crash at Motegi.
The factory Honda rider was launched off his bike at Turn 11 in the closing minutes of second practice.
Pedrosa walked away from the incident but was diagnosed with a broken collarbone following a visit to the circuit’s medical centre.
Honda has since confirmed that 34-year-old test rider Hiroshi Aoyama will stand in for Pedrosa, who will fly home to Spain for surgery on the injury.
“First of all, I’m very sorry for Dani and I wish him a fast recovery,” said Aoyama, who has made 68 premier class starts.
“This is definitely not the best way to come into a race, but anyway, I’ll try and give my best for Honda in front of my friends and fans.
“I won’t be able to use my racing number, as 7 has already been taken by (Avintia replacement rider) Mike Jones, so I’ll use 73, which is the number I used in my first season in the 250cc GPs.”
Aoyama replaced Pedrosa for three races last year when the factory Honda rider underwent surgery after suffering from arm pump.
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