Source: Supplied.

Team Suzuki Ecstar will field Japanese ace Takuya Tsuda in the upcoming Jerez round of the MotoGP World Championship, in place of injured team regular Alex Rins.

While premier class rookie Rins recuperates from wrist surgery carried out in Barcelona this week, highly-rated 31-year-old Tsuda will make his MotoGP debut in Spain.

“We are very happy that Alex’s surgery went well,” commented Team Suzuki Ecstar manager Davide Brivio. “This is the most important thing. Starting now he is facing a recovery period, but we are awaiting his comeback to 100 percent and we will be eager to have him back on our GSX-RR so he can display all the talent he has inside.

“Meanwhile, unfortunately, we have to replace him. And for Jerez we decided to give his bike to Takuya Tsuda, our test rider who will have his first opportunity to get real race experience. We will try to use the occasion to further the development of the bike. I would like to wish a fast and good recovery to Alex.”

Tsuda – who has made a name for himself internationally with his past performances at the Suzuka 8 Hours – will take part in the race weekend alongside Andrea Iannone, as well as the post-race test on the Monday.