WorldSBK exile Sandro Cortese will stand in for the injured Leon Camier at next week’s Jerez test and is on stand-by to also ride in Portugal.
The German, who is still looking for a ride this season, will carry out the test work in Spain as Camier continues to recover from shoulder surgery.
“Our priority at this stage of the season is to develop the new bike, trying to arrive in Australia with a high performance bike,” said Barni Ducati boss Marco Barnabo.
“That’s why we took the opportunity to give the Ducati Panigale V4 R to a fast and experienced rider like Cortese, who is currently free. I’m sure that during the two days at Jerez, Sandro will be able to give us a good point of view.
“It’s only at the end of the two days in Spain that we’ll decide what to do in Portimao; riding with Camier obviously remains our priority and his recovery is progressing faster than expected.
“Leon would like to take part in the tests at Portimao, but we must not get caught up in the frenzy and carefully evaluate benefits and risks.”
Camier will be re-examined in the days prior to the Portimao test to determine whether he can ride without risking damage to his shoulder, or whether to postpone his return until the official WorldSBK test at Phillip Island.
