McLaren called in as Hernandez replacement

Australian rider Kris McLaren will replace the injured Yonny Hernandez in the Avintia Blusens team for this weekend's penultimate round of the MotoGP World Championship.

CRT rider Hernandez (pictured) dislocated his left collarbone in a fall at Motegi and was forced out of last weekend's Malaysian round at Sepang.

McLaren has been competing in the CEV Moto2 class this season and finished on the rostrum in the Jerez round.

"I am really enthusiastic I can participate in MotoGP and what's more, in my country," said McLaren, who received a wild-card entry for last year's Australian Moto2 Grand Prix.

"It's a great opportunity that Avintia Blusens has offered me and I'd like to make the best of it even if I am aware it will be very difficult to ride with such experienced riders.

"The first objective is to adapt to the bike and gradually make progress."

Ivan Silva, meanwhile, is hoping to make further progress this weekend as he prepares for an "exciting" challenge at Phillip Island.

"I have to get familiar with a track once again but Phillip Island is a mythical and exciting one and I can't wait to ride there," he said.

"I know it won't be easy but I have been feeling more and more at ease with the motorbike and the time must come when I get a good result.

"If I can get a better setting-up to enhance my pace we can do a good race," added Silva.

"I need to complete a full lap to improve my time.

"We are fast now but I can't complete the assessments. I hope I'll make it in Australia."