HRC Test rider Hiroshi Aoyama will replace AB Motoracing’s injured Karel Abraham for the GoPro Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland.

Abraham severely dislocated the big toe on his left foot in Free Practice on Saturday at the Catalan GP, and did not compete at Assen after failing a medical. There were rumours that Dutch Honda World Superbike rider Michael van der Mark would replace Abraham at his home Grand Prix ahead of the Motul TT Assen, but a deal could not be reached.

Aoyama is the official test rider for HRC and most recently filled in at three races for the injured Dani Pedrosa on the Factory RC213V, while he recovered from arm pump surgery.

The Japanese rider competed in the Argentina, Austin and Jerez races but only managed to finish once, crossing the line 11th in Austin. This time he will be on the new Open class Honda RC213V-RS having last year completed a full season on the Drive M7 Aspar Open class Honda RCV1000R, finishing 14th in the championship standings after collecting 68 points. So far this season Abraham has only managed to finish in two races, 21st in Argentina and 17th at Mugello.