News 3 Oct 2013

More changes for injury-hit WSBK field for Magny-Cours

The late season run of injuries will see a range of replacement riders line up across the board at this weekend's penultimate round of the World Superbike Championship at Magny-Cours in France.

WEC star Vincent Phillipe will substitute for Leon Camier at his local French WSBK round.

WEC star Vincent Phillipe will substitute for Leon Camier at his local French WSBK round.

The late season run of injuries will see a range of replacement riders line up across the board at this weekend’s penultimate round of the World Superbike Championship at Magny-Cours in France.

Injury has hit the factory fold hard of late, and the back-to-back running of the US and French events has afforded little extra time for sidelined riders to recover.

David Salom will slot back into the second Kawasaki Racing Team seat in replacement for Loris Baz.

Baz will forego a start at his home round upon medical advice, requiring up to 45 days for a vertebrae injury to heal completely.

“Unfortunately I do this release against heart and with great sadness to announce that I would not participate in the race at Magny-Cours this weekend,” said Baz.

“My injury to my fourth thoracic vertebra requires a minimum time of 45 days and unfortunately after having thought for a long time to know if I took the risk to participate I decided not to ride.

“If I climbed on my bike I could not go 90 percent, especially not at Magny Cours for my national race it is better and certainly more reasonable to give it to get back to 100 precent and be able to do the last race in Jerez, the best of my ability and to fight for the podium.”

Fixi Crescent Suzuki drafted in local expert Blake Young at Laguna Seca and will again call on a rider with an intimate knowledge of the upcoming circuit.

Eight-time World Endurance Champion Vincent Phillipe will stand in for Leon Camier fresh from winning the 2013 title with Suzuki Endurance Racing Team.

Phillipe’s knowledge of the circuit and the GSX-R machinery will be an invaluable tool for the outfit which looks to round out a largely disappointing season on a positive note.

Team SBK Ducati Alstare has added Ducati test rider Michele Pirro into the mix, valuing his experience at the French track. Niccolo Canepa had occupied the seat at Laguna Seca but returns to his primary role in the Superstock 1000 ranks where he is a frontrunner for the title.

“I made a few laps at Mugello last Thursday during our last test,” said Pirro. “It was my first time riding a Superbike and I’m pleased because I got on well, although it’s difficult to evaluate because when you’re on track alone it’s all a lot easier.

“Anyway, I’m confident and convinced that we can take a good result. It will all be new for me, the bike, brakes, tyres but I believe that with determination and the help of such a professional team we’ll be able to work well and I hope to find a good feeling.

“The important thing is to always give it everything. This is an important year for me, in which I’ve made my debut in MotoGP and now in Superbike too. I can’t wait to get on track and thank Ducati and team Ducati Alstare for this opportunity.”

Michel Fabrizio will remain in the Pata Honda World Superbike seat in replacement for Jonathan Rea, while it is expected Australian rider Mark Aitchison will remain in the seat at Pedercini Kawasaki in the place of Alexander Lundh.

The final change to the Superbike lineup is the addition of Mesaroli Racing Ducati, who will contest the final two rounds of the season with Lorenzo Lanzi.

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