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Rea to stand in for Stoner

World Superbikes rider Jonathan Rea has been drafted in to replace Casey Stoner during the Australian's racing absence caused by an ankle injury sustained at Indianapolis.

The Irish Ten Kate team member tested the factory Honda RC213V at Brno during the official MotoGP test on Monday (Aug 27) and will do so again at Aragon in just over a week's time.

STONER SURGERY

The decision to draft in Rea was made as a reward for his loyalty to Honda throughout the years. Rea has stuck with Honda in World Superbikes and achieved strong results on a CBR1000RR that is starting to get a little long in the tooth. Rea won the Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race earlier in 2012 and was greatly appreciated by HRC top management.

How many races Rea will get on the bike is uncertain. Stoner is in Australia and is expected to have surgery on today (Aug 29). He's almost certain to be forced to miss Misano and the following race at Aragon is also uncertain. None of the remaining rounds on the MotoGP calendar clash with World Superbikes so, though Rea would find himself with a full schedule, it would be possible for him to substitute for Stoner for the rest of the year if necessary.

The official media release from Honda, and a video statement from Rea courtesy of the Honda World Superbike team,said:

Jonathan Rea to test for Repsol Honda Team

"Jonathan Rea, Ten Kate Honda rider in WSBK, will join the Repsol Honda team for a test in Brno and also for the two-day test in Aragon that will take place over September 4/5.

"In case, as doctors anticipate, Casey Stoner is unble to re-join the Repsol Honda Team in time, then Jonathan will replace him at Misano and Aragon.

Honda Racing Corporation would like to thank Honda Europe, Ten Kate Team and all their sponsors for their co-operation under the circumstances."


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