Former British Superbike Champion Leon Camier has flown to the Catalunya MotoGP paddock as a stand-in for Drive M7’s Nicky Hayden should the American decide he is unable to ride after tomorrow’s opening free practice.

Camier got the call just before he left for the Sepang World Superbike round, where he was victorious in one of the Evo class races, and went straight to the Barcelona track yesterday. Camier said his injured arm is not giving him too much of a problem now, and doctors are amazed how fast the bicep has healed following his Donington park highside.

Hayden is still recovering from an operation on his troublesome wrist. The injury forced him out of the Mugello race and tomorrow’s opening session will more than likely determine whether he continues on Saturday.

“Obviously it is a massive opportunity and one I didn’t think I would get in MotoGP this year after the difficulties. The call was a surprise but it was great to be able to say yes and hop on a plane,” said Camier, speaking to bikesportnews.com from the track.

“There will be some huge differences with the bike, the tyres and the brakes compared to the BMW Italia S1000RR I have been riding, but we will work through them, should I get the chance. It will be a new team too so I know what I am up against. Clearly, it is better for the team if Nicky is able to ride but I am waiting in the wings if he can’t.”

Camier was supposed to be Ioda Racing’s second rider in the blue riband class this year but a cash shortage at the team’s end meant it never came to fruition.

The Kent man’s former GSE Racing technician Frankie Carchedi joined Jorge Aspar Martinez’ team as Hayden’s chassis engineer at Le Mans after spending some time with PBM Aprilia. It is not yet known whether Colin Wright is to be drafted in later this year in the spirit of getting the band back together…