Cardus to replace injured Binder for Austin Moto2 round

It was confirmed last week that reigning Moto3 champion Binder would be forced to miss the Austin race after undergoing surgery on his broken left arm after the previous event in Argentina.

The South African rider first broke his arm in a testing crash late last year at Valencia, and was forced to miss a private test session at the same venue in February.

He was replaced there by Cardus, a veteran of 90 Moto2 races, and now Ajo KTM has confirmed that the 29-year-old Spaniard will be called up again for this weekend's COTA race.

Cardus was left without a full-time ride in the series for this season, but stood in for an absent Axel Bassani at Speed Up in the Qatar opener.

"I am very happy to be able to enjoy this opportunity, although I am sad that it comes about because of the injury to Brad Binder - a great rider and World Champion for whom I have a lot of respect," said Cardus. "I wish him a speedy recovery.

"This weekend I have to take advantage of this GP to enjoy a bike that I know well. I know more or less where we can get the best out of it, and it has the potential to be in the top positions.

"I am taking this weekend as a few days in which to help the team, as I am one of the test riders and we must continue to evolve the bike. I will fight and do my best to get a good result."

KTM has yet to confirm when Binder will return to action, with the next round after Austin taking place at Jerez on 7 May.