Leandro Mercado's return to the𒊎 World Superbike ranks got off to an 𝓀inauspicious start after a crash on the second day of testing in Jerez left him with fractured wrist and injured hand.

The Argentinian will lead Barni Ducati's move into World Superbikes next season having won the FIM Super🔥stock 1000 title with the team in 2014.

Settling well on the WSBK specification of t꧅he Ducati 1199 Panigale, Mercado was pleased with his pace before the accident. Suffering a fracture to the scaphoid, Mercado will suffer a recovery time of around six weeks.

"It was a positive two day test. The bike is really different to the one I used in STK1🐽000 and I have to admit I found a good feeling with it straight aw🌟ay.

"Weather conditions did not allow to push to the limit, but we worked well and set some good lap times. It's a shame ဣfor the crash, which ruined our plans. Fortunately in few weeks I will back to full fitness."

Mercado has previously raced in the World Superbike Championship before, competing with Pedercini Kawasaki for a part-season in 2ꦯ012.