Source: Supplied.

Factory Ducati test rider Michele Pirro will replace Danilo Petrucci on the Octo Pramac Yakhnich Ducati Desmosedici GP in the upcoming Argentine grand prix.

Pirro will be present in Argentina for the second 2016 MotoGP round and will run until the return of his countryman, who has undergone surgery on his right hand again on Monday.

Petrucci starred during the pre-season until breaking his hand during a testing crash at Phillip Island. He made it back in time for Qatar’s opening round, but re-fractured the injury during free practice.

Australia’s double MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner had been in the frame to replace Petrucci, but confirmed once again on Monday at Losail while testing that he has no plans to race at this point in his retirement.