Cortese steps in for Camier at Jerez WorldSBK test

Sandro Cortese will fill in at Barni Racing Ducati for the Jerez World Superbike test with Leon Camier still sidelined as he recovers from surgery.

The German rider, who remains without a 2020 race programme, will take part in the two-day test at Jerez on January 22-23 for the Italian squad and make his debut on the Ducati V4 R Panigale.

Cortese fills in for Camier who is recovering from shoulder surgery after sustaining an injury in a crash during testing at Aragon last November. The British rider had two torn tendons operated on in late December having initially not expected to need surgery following the Aragon fall on November 14th.

2012 Moto3 world champion Cortese, who competed for GRT Yamaha last year after graduating as 2018 World Supersport champion, will also be available for the Portimao test on January 26-27 if Camier remains out of action.

“Our priority at this stage of the season is to develop the new bike trying to arrive in Australia with a high performance bike,” Marco Barnabo, team principal, said. “That’s why we took the opportunity to give the Ducati Panigale V4 R to a fast and experienced rider like Cortese, who is currently free.

“I’m sure that during the two days at Jerez, Sandro will be able to give us a good point of view. It’s only at the end of the two days in Spain that we’ll decide what to do in Portimao: riding with Camier obviously remains our priority and his recovery is progressing faster than expected.

“Leon would like to take part to the tests at Portimao, but we must not get caught up in the frenzy and carefully evaluate benefits and risks.”

The 2020 World Superbike championship gets underway at Phillip Island on February 28-March 1.