FIM Endurance World Championship podium finisher Florian Marino has been called up for MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship duty at MotorLand Aragón this weekend.

Marino, 30, will deputise for Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK’s Alex Lowes – an EWC race winner – fresh from finishing the EWC season-deciding Bol d’Or at Circuit Paul Ricard last weekend with the Belgian KM99 squad.

Lowes is unable to compete in the Tissot Aragón Round following a recent knee operation, leaving KRT test rider Marino to take the Briton’s place.

“First of all, I wish the best recovery to my friend and rider Alex Lowes,” Marino said. “I know he will come back stronger and racing very soon. For me it’s a great opportunity as a test rider for KRT. This weekend will also help me to improve my understanding of the Kawasaki ZX-10RR and of course I can’t wait to work with the technical crew. Personally, I have no expectation, I’m just going to try to make the most of the opportunity for everyone involved. Thank you Kawasaki and Provec Racing for the trust.”

Guim Roda, KRT Team Manager, added: “We decide to give Florian a chance. He already has the test rider job for KRT, so he will run at Aragón and keep collecting data to develop the bike in real race conditions. It’ll be a good way to see the rhythm he is able to get to as he will keep working in the winter months to test items at the very top level.”

Loris Baz and Isaac Viñales, who also competed in the Bol d’Or, will be racing at MotorLand Aragón. Philipp Öttl and Xavi Vierge, who raced in the 24 Heures Motos and 44h Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race respectively earlier this season, are also on the Tissot Aragón Round entry.