Tadyuki Okada will give the new pneumatic-valved Honda RC212V engine its first run out at Mugello this weekend.

The veteran HRC employee, who hasn't ridden in a GP for seven years, will be Honda's first wildcard rider of the 800cc era.

The reincorporation of Okada to the Repsol Honda ranks has the primary objective of giving the pneumatic valve RC212V engine its MotoGP race debut, with the 41 year-old having performed extensive testing on the motor in Japan. The veteran will be returning to on-track action at Mugello for the first time since 2000, making his 800cc debut.

He said: "My last grand prix race was at Phillip Island in 2000, so it´s more than seven years since I last raced in GPs!

"I am really looking forward to Mugello; the long straight should suit my machine and the pneumatic valve engine, which is finally ready to race now."´