Former British Superbike Champion Leon Camier looks likely to miss the opening Sepang MotoGP test next month but believes his Ioda Aprilia will be ready in time for the second set on February 26.

The Kent man signed a deal with Ioda late on after being ditched by his World Superbike team and says he is looking forward to the challenge and having Danilo Petrucci as a team-mate. The move makes Camier the fourth British rider on the premier class grid for 2014 and he takes with him crew chief Frankie Carchedi and chief mechanic Pete Bancewicz.

"These are really, really exciting times. I think the plan is that we are not going to make the first test in Malaysia – it is going to be the second one, at the end of February. There is a lot of stuff to look forward to," said Camier.

"I have ridden an Aprilia before, but since then the bike has changed quite a lot and there is a lot to get used to with tyres, brakes and everything else. There is going to be a lot of excitement, but at the moment all we can do is to train and get ready for the first test.

"I have heard Danilo is a very good rider and maybe a little bit underrated. For sure I have a lot to learn; new tracks and a whole new atmosphere in the team, so there is a lot of stuff to pick up but I am pretty confident going into the season.

"I have the same technician I have had for the last few years – with whom I won the Superbike championship – and also my chief mechanic. We have a good working relationship and I think that will be a good step to make me feel more comfortable when I move into the team."