Image: Supplied.

German ace Stefan Bradl will stand in for Franco Morbidelli for the remainder of the Sachsenring MotoGP round, joining Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS.

As Morbidelli has withdrawn with a fractured left hand sustained at Assen, Honda test rider Bradl has been called in for his home grand prix. He was 21st in practice on Friday.

“It has been busy day,” Bradl said. “I was here to work on the TV broadcast, which I did in FP1, but then I got the call from Alberto Puig from HRC to ride in place of Franco. I must say a big thanks to the team who gave me a nice welcome and have been very professional.

“I know the Honda RC213V, so I just tried to enjoy myself in FP2 and get ready for the race. I wish Franco all the best and hope that he can make a good recovery and be back racing as soon as possible.”

It’s also been confirmed that Red Bull KTM test rider Mika Kallio’s scheduled wildcard has come to an end following Friday practice, in which he crashed and damaged the ligaments in his knee after impacting the air-fence.