Maria Herrera will join the WorldSSP grid at this weekend’s Portimao WorldSBK round as a replacement for Hikari Okobu who was injured at Jerez.

The Japanese rider was at first given the all clear but has since undergone further extensive tests and the decision has been taken that he will not ride in Portugal.

Herrera currently rides in the MotoE championship with the Aspar’s team but is no stranger to the Superbike paddock having finished 13th in the 2018 World Supersport 300 series with 45 points, claiming one fastest lap and five top ten finishes from eight starts.

“Firstly I want to give thanks to Dynavolt Honda for this opportunity. I will do my best. I think we can have a good time together this weekend working and doing well,” said Herrera.

“It’s a new goal for me to get to know the bike quickly because it’s my first time with Honda but the team has the potential so let’s enjoy.”