While most of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship grid prepares to take to the track at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli as part of a preparatory two-day test, one man will unfortunately be forced to watch from the sidelines. Leon Camier (Moriwaki Althea Honda Racing) has not recovered in time from the shoulder injury suffered in qualifying at Imola and will thus not take part in either day of testing.

Originating from a collision with another rider in Superpole at the Pirelli Italian Round, the team has confirmed that the injury should not require surgery and is expected to heal by itself. However, more rest will be needed for the ligaments in the Brit’s left shoulder to return to 100%, particularly with the Acerbis Spanish Round just ten days away.

With Camier out, Moriwaki Althea Honda Racing have selected not one, but two riders to provide input at Misano in replacement of their regular rider: Xavi Fores and Yuki Takahashi; two riders with years of experience and success on the world stage.

Fores returns to WorldSBK seven months after culminating his most successful season in the series. In 2018, the Spaniard took seventh place in the championship standings and was crowned top independent rider, thanks to a phenomenal five podiums and 230 points with the Barni Racing Team.

Meanwhile, Japanese rider Yuki Takahashi is a former 250cc and Moto2™ race winner, as well as a brief MotoGP™ competitor. The long-standing Honda representative will be eager to make an impression during his first foray into the WorldSBK paddock.

Ryuichi Kiyonari remains set to participate in the test, continuing the development of his side of the Honda project.

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