Britain's Leon Camier is still unsure whether he will be able to take part in the upcoming Portimao test and is hoping that stand-in Sandro Cortese can carry out some of the electronics development required to make the Barni Ducati V4R a podium contender in WorldSBK 2020.

Camier recently underwent shoulder surgery which ruled him out of the Jerez test that starts tomorrow. Cortese will ride for two days and that will be longer than Camier spent on the bike after he crashed out on just his second day in the chair but he was impressed with the V4R.

“First impressions were the bike has a lot of potential, some really strong points but also a lot of things we need to work on as I only did a few laps in very cold conditions. I have a lot to learn with this bike and will need some time to get the setting and electronics in right area," said the Andorra resident.

Camier will not make a decision on whether to travel to Portimao until the last minute but says he is doing everything possible.

"So far so good, everyday feeling a little better. Mobility is coming back well, so just need to start working on strength and getting some muscle back once I have full range of motion.

Nothing is guaranteed, especially with a joint as complicated as the shoulder, but the doctor is confident I will make a full recovery.

"For sure I would like to have had time to train properly and prepare like normal, but nothing I can do about this.

“I have a good base fitness after many years, so I'm not concerned for that; I just need to get the shoulder healthy and strong again and hopefully get some bike fitness before the first race.

"Right now, I'm not sure if I can make the test, I'm doing everything possible to be at least at Portimao but it will be a big push and maybe a risk to come back early, we need to check nearer the time."