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Following a medical testing at Melbourne hospital on Monday, Niccolò Canepa is required to withdraw from this
weekend’s Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix.
The Italian racer, who had a skin graft after his
smash during Friday’s practice testing at Phillip Island, cannot race in this weekend’s GP awaiting his injured
arm to heal.
Aleix Espargaró will substitute for him, having already competed twice for Pramac Racing at
Indianapolis and Misano this year. Earlier, the Spaniard signed an agreement to compete in the premier class with the squad
next year, he will have a chance to further enhance his form at Sepang.
Aleix Espargarò
“I
am very surprised and happy to be back in MotoGP so soon, even if I am always sad when a colleague gets hurt. I hope Niccolò
gets well as soon as possible and is at his best for the Valencia race. I will use this weekend as a pre-season test. I have
a lot to learn and this will be a great chance for me. After my last race in Misano I have trained constantly and I am certain
to be in good physical condition, even if in Sepang it is always very hard due to the high temperature and humidity.”
Niccolò Canepa
“I am very sorry I’m unable to ride in Malaysia. The team was working
very well together and in the last few races I wanted to secure a good place. The doctors have recommended that I don’t
take any risks as the cut isn’t looking too good, and therefore I will be taking a break to ensure I’m at my best
in Valencia next month. I still feel a lot of pain but now the worst has passed. I hope that Mika (Kallio) and Aleix will
be able to secure good results for the Pramac Racing Team.”
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