---
title: "Aoyama back for Sepang as Pedrosa’s replacement"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2016/10/26/aoyama-back-sepang-pedrosas-replacement/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Lewis Duncan"
section: "MotoGP News"
published: "2016-10-26T15:09:16Z"
modified: "2016-10-26T15:42:51Z"
---

# Aoyama back for Sepang as Pedrosa’s replacement

Repsol Honda Team’s Dani Pedrosa has been ruled out of this weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix, with HRC test rider Hiroshi Aoyama filling in for the injured Spaniard.

Pedrosa has been absent from the flyaway races after he fractured his right collarbone, as well as his right fibula and the fourth metatarsal in his left foot, in a crash during FP2 in Japan. The Spaniard has undergone successful surgery and is hoping to be back in action at next month’s Valencia Grand Prix.

“Unfortunately, these three injuries mean that I won’t be making my way to Malaysia, so my goal now is to recover as much as possible in time to make it to Valencia in less than three weeks. I’m really looking forward to being back with my team and with all the fans in Cheste, too,” the Spaniard stated in his blog.

Honda called up Aoyama to replace Pedrosa in Japan, though opted to field 2006 MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden last time out at Phillip Island. The American’s WorldSBK duties this weekend means Aoyama has bee handed replacement duties for Sepang.

The Japanese rider actually has a decent record in Malaysia. He won twice in the 250cc World Championship in 2007 and 2009, and took a best result of seventh in his debut season in MotoGP in 2010. Aoyama says that he is looking forward to having the entire weekend to get dialled into the bike after starting his home race in Motegi from Saturday morning’s FP3.

“I’m very glad to have the chance to ride for the Repsol Honda Team again, as in Japan it was a bit challenging to start Saturday morning from FP3, to adapt to the bike and to try and find my rhythm,” Aoyama said.

“I hope this time things will work out well and I can find a good feeling with the bike since the beginning. All of us wish for Dani coming back soon, but until he is recovered I’ll do my best for Honda and for the Repsol Honda Team. Tuesday was my 35th birthday and I’m simply happy to be here in Malaysia, which is a country I particularly like and I look forward to enjoy racing at the Sepang Circuit.”