Jonathan Rea set to test for Repsol Honda in Brno

British rider Jonathan Rea is expected to be given a golden chance to show Honda that he is worthy of a full-time MotoGP ride in 2013 after being handed the opportunity to test Casey Stoner’s factory RC213V machine in Brno on Monday.

Rea, who is currently in Moscow with his Ten Kate Honda squad for round 11 of the World Superbike championship, is being lined up to fly to the Czech Republic to link up with HRC for the post race test in Brno.

The 25-year-old, who recently won the prestigious Suzuka Eight-hour endurance race for Honda, could replace injured Aussie Stoner in the next two MotoGP races if he performs well at the test.

The Misano MotoGP on September 16 and Motorland Aragon race on September 30 don’t clash with Rea’s World Superbike commitments and the added bonus is he has previously raced on both tracks.

Reigning world champion Stoner is expected to miss both while he recovers from a right ankle injury he suffered in a qualifying crash in Indianapolis one week ago.

Stoner rode to a heroic fourth place in Indianapolis but additional checks to his damaged ankle showed he requires surgery and the 26-year-old flew back is heading to back to Australia with his family to undergo an operation next week.

Rea’s test will also give HRC the chance to assess his potential with rumour rife in the paddock that he is being seriously considered for a ride in Fausto Gresini’s satellite Honda squad next season.

Ben Spies though has emerged as a surprise favourite for Gresini’s satellite RC213V having previously indicated that 2012 will be his last in MotoGP.

Rea has made no secret of his desire to move to MotoGP and his manager Chuck Aksland recently attended the Laguna Seca race to check on potential opportunities.

Aksland told MCN in California: “Like any rider the ultimate goal is to be in MotoGP. He’s got several opportunities to stay in World Superbikes and we are going to scout out what’s available in MotoGP. There have been opportunities for him to come to MotoGP but probably not the right opportunity. It is a cruel environment because if you come to MotoGP you get one chance and if you don’t have the right equipment or set-up around you it is easy to go backwards. For his progression as a rider it is best to have a little patience and wait for the best opportunities and if they don’t come then he is happy where he is.”



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