Gresini counts on Duhamel's experience

Duhamel has spent several years racing in the AMA Superbike championship, and he has been named as the replacement for the injured Toni Elias for the American round of the series.

"Miguel is an experienced rider," said Gresini. "For the USA Grand Prix, he knows the Laguna Seca track very well and we think it is a great opportunity for him to ride in this important event.

"Miguel will race in both the MotoGP and AMA races on Sunday at Laguna, and he is enthusiastic for this challenge."

The MotoGP teams are currently preparing for the next round of the series at the Sachsenring though, where Michel Fabrizio will ride the second Gresini bike in place of the recovering Elias.

Fabrizio was scheduled to replace Elias for the British Grand Prix last year when the Spaniard was injured, but he fell in practice at Donington and didn't get the opportunity to race.

"I'm happy that Toni is recovering well and I hope he is coming back soon," said Gresini.

"For the German round, we give Michel another chance. He is a young and enthusiastic racer."