Aoyama returns as Pedrosa's stand-in at Sepang

The Japanese rider therefore makes his second start of the season for the Japanese factory, having replaced Pedrosa at Motegi after the Spaniard broke his collarbone there in Friday practice.

Aoyama could only finish 15th in his home race, and was replaced by Nicky Hayden for the following weekend's Phillip Island race with Pedrosa still unfit to compete.

However, with Hayden having to return to World Superbike duty for this weekend's Qatar races, Aoyama has been handed a second chance on the second works bike alongside Marc Marquez in Malaysia.

“I'm very glad to have the chance to ride for the Repsol Honda Team again, as in Japan it was a bit challenging to start Saturday morning from FP3, to adapt to the bike and to try and find my rhythm," said Aoyama.

"I hope this time things will work out well and I can find a good feeling with the bike since the beginning.

"All of us wish for Dani coming back soon, but until he is recovered I’ll do my best for Honda and for the Repsol Honda Team."

Honda also offered an update on Pedrosa's condition, saying: "On Monday he had a check-up that showed the fracture to his collarbone is healing well, as are his right fibula and the fourth metatarsal on his left foot, which he also fractured."

Last year's Malaysian Grand Prix winner has just over two weeks to be ready for the season finale at Valencia on November 13.