Akiyoshi, 40, is a veteran of eight Grands Prix, his most recent appearance being in Japan four years ago as a wildcard for the LCR Honda team.

Now, the two-time Japanese Superbike champion will return to action to replace Abraham on board the AB Motoracing Honda, the Czech rider still suffering from the toe injury sustained at Barcelona that caused him to retire from the Aragon Grand Prix.

Abraham, who will also miss the Phillip Island and Sepang races later this month, was previously replaced by HRC test rider Hiroshi Aoyama at the Sachsenring, before Toni Elias - now riding for Forward Racing - stepped in at Indianapolis.

Akiyoshi becomes the third Japanese rider to compete at Motegi this weekend, following on from wildcards Katsuyuki Nakasuga (Yamaha) and Takumi Takahashi (Honda).