Aoyama replaces Miller for Motegi

Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS will field two former intermediate class world champions at the MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix, with HRC test and development rider Hiroshi Aoyama joining Tito Rabat in the team as a replacement for the injured Jack Miller.

"Firstly I want to wish Jack a speedy recovery and I hope he will be fit to race in his home grand prix at Phillip Island," said Aoyama. "It's never nice to replace an injured rider but I hope that I can do a good job for both Jack and the team in Motegi.

"I also want to thank Michael Bartholemy and Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS for giving me the opportunity to race once again in front of the Japanese fans. I have not raced yet this season, so it will take some time to get back the feeling. The fact that I already know a lot of the crew, having worked with them in the past, will help a lot, as will having a rider with Tito's experience on the other side of the box. I am looking forward to the weekend ahead!"

Aoyama was crowned world champion in 2009, the final year of the 250cc two-stroke machines, and the Japanese rider has extensive MotoGP experience, having raced four full seasons since making his debut in the premier class back in 2010. Since 2015 the 35-year-old Japanese rider has been an HRC test rider and heavily involved in the development of the Honda RC213V he'll race this weekend in Motegi on home soil.