Roger Lee Hayden will replace Randy de Puniet at Laguna Seca this weekend.

American Roger Lee Hayden will replace Randy de Puniet at LCR Honda for this weekend’s Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Laguna Seca after the Frenchman suffered a broken left leg at last weekend’s German Grand Prix.

Hayden, younger brother of factory Ducati rider Nicky, currently campaigns a Pedercini Kawasaki in the Superbike World Championship.

The decision was facilitated by American Honda which have got a close relationship with the 27-year-old, becoming the ideal candidate since he boasts a 10th place finish as a wildcard in the 2007 running of the event onboard a Kawasaki with Bridgestone tyres.

“First of all I want to wish Randy a speedy recovery,” Hayden commented. “It’s never nice to see another rider on the sidelines due to injury. I’m very happy that LCR has choice me to fill in for Randy this weekend at Laguna Seca.

“It is a track I like a lot and I hope to do a good job for the team and for all the American fans. I want to thank team Pedercini for giving me the okay, and everyone else involved to make this great opportunity happen.”

LCR team owner Lucio Cecchinello was pleased with the quick agreement forged with Hayden, finalised just hours after de Puniet’s accident.

“After yesterdays bad news we had a meeting with Randy and Honda to take a decision for the following race,” the Italian said. “Despite this unfortunate experience we decided to go on with our job and we agreed to replace Randy for the U.S. GP.

“Thanks to the cooperation from Nicky Hayden and Kevin Schwantz, we went for the best choice in Roger Lee Hayden. He has plenty of experience at Laguna Seca race track and we will do our best to support him.”

Hayden will also contest the Indianapolis Grand Prix in the Moto2 World Championship class as a wildcard in an all-American effort managed by 1993 500cc Grand Prix World Champion Schwantz.

De Puniet is hoping to return in time for the Brno Grand Prix in the Czech Republic, set to take place on 13-15 August.