Injured Bayle replaced by Hofmann for Catalunya.

Red Bull Yamaha rider Jean-Michel Bayle will miss the Gran Premi Marlboro de Catalunya through injury and will be replaced by former 250cc German Champion Alex Hofmann. Bayle, himself a replacement for the injured Garry McCoy, was unable to test the Yamaha YZR500 at Assen this week due to pain in his left bicep. An MRI scan later confirmed torn muscle fibres that would require a recovery period of around fifteen days and his place at the test was taken by Hofmann, who will complete a dream fortnight when he steps into the MotoGP limelight in Barcelona next week.

"It is unfortunate that Jean-Michel's arm injury has interrupted his ride with us," commented Peter Clifford, Director of Racing for the Red Bull Yamaha team. "He has given our engineers and Dunlop Tyre Technicians exceptional feedback and we have benefited enormously from his extensive riding knowledge. Hofmann attended one day of the two day test at Assen and he performed admirably in the windy conditions. He had a very sensible approach to riding the bike and we are very happy to give him the chance to race it."

Hofmann, who contested the 250 World Championship last season, only celebrated his 22nd birthday two weeks ago and admitted it was the best present he could have hoped for. "There was no question in my mind when Peter Clifford contacted me to test the Red Bull Yamaha that I would do it," he said. "I am really looking forward to the race at Barcelona, the circuit at Catalunya is one of my favourite tracks so it will be good to race there on the 500. Jean-Michel Bayle was my biggest hero when I was young and now here I am being a replacement rider for my hero.".