Image: Supplied.

Sandro Cortese has been called in to replace Leon Camier at Barni Racing Team for the upcoming Motul Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) test at Jerez.

2018 WorldSSP champion Cortese remains without a confirmed ride for the 2020 season after making an impressive debut in the premier class last year.

Barni Racing have also indicated that Cortese will travel with the team to the next test due at Portimao, as Camier continues to recover from shoulder surgery and will be re-examined in the days prior to the Portugal test to determine whether he can ride without risking damage to his shoulder.

“Our priority at this stage of the season is to develop the new bike, trying to arrive in Australia with a high-performance bike,” said team principal Marco Barnabo.

“That’s why we took the opportunity to give the Ducati Panigale V4 R to a fast and experienced rider like Cortese, who is currently free. I’m sure that during the two days at Jerez, Sandro will be able to give us a good point of view.

“It’s only at the end of the two days in Spain that we’ll decide what to do in Portimao – riding with Camier obviously remains our priority and his recovery is progressing faster than expected. Leon would like to take part in the tests at Portimao, but we must not get caught up in the frenzy and carefully evaluate benefits and risks.”

The WorldSBK series kicks off on 28 February-1 March at Phillip Island.