Takahashi continues at Moriwaki Althea Honda, Camier back for France

Takumi Takahashi will stand in for the injured Leon Camier at next weekend’s Portimao round in the World Superbike championship at Moriwaki Althea Honda, with the British rider scheduled to return at Magny-Cours.

Camier has been out of action since qualifying at the Imola round when he sustained shoulder ligament damage in a crash triggered by Sandro Cortese’s high-side in front of him which saw the Honda rider collide with the German’s stricken Yamaha R1.

The British rider underwent shoulder surgery in July, having initially not expected to require an operation, and has duly been out of action for the past four rounds before the summer break.

After missing the Portimao test to focus on his recovery, Camier will also be absent from the Portuguese race weekend (6-8 September) in order to gain a full recovery with his Honda squad confirming he will target a comeback at the French round in Magny-Cours on 27-29 September.

Takahashi has been called on again to replace Camier for the Portuguese round, having stepped for the Portimao test earlier this week, while Yuki Takahashi filled in for Camier at both the Jerez and Misano rounds.

Having initially begun his recovery with physiotherapy, Camier continued to suffer with shoulder pain training on a Supermotard bike. After consulting specialists the Arm Clinic in Wilmslow the 33-year-old underwent surgery in July.