Crocked Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa will not return to action at this weekend’s Jerez MotoGP round, chosing to further rest his arm until the Le Mans round in the middle of next month.

Speculation was rife that Pedrosa, who underwent speculative surgery to cure his long-term arm-pump problem, would try to ride on Friday at the Spanish track but he has opted not to, so Hiro Aoyama remains in the chair.

“I’m sorry for Dani that he is not able to return to racing this weekend at his home grand prix. Honda have asked me to substitute for him again and it’s an honour to do so,” said Aoyama.

“I have made some progression with the team during the Austin and Argentina race weekends and they have helped me a lot, so I hope we can make another step in Jerez! It’s a tight track on these big bikes but I’m looking forward to racing there with Repsol Honda.”