Buzzin MotoGP

Pramac Ducati 2009

The Pramac Racing rider Niccolo Canepa will miss the final race of the season at Valencia in Spain this weekend as he is still recovering from the injuries he received at the Australian MotoGP.

The Italian rider crashed at turn 1 of the Friday practice session in Australia and suffered burns as he slid across the track, wearing away his leathers.  His arm was badly burnt and he underwent tests to see if he had also suffered nerve damage as the injury was down to the bone.  After being given the all clear he was then given a skin-graft operation but doctors have advised the rider that the arm still needs to be rested to prevent the injury from re-opening.

Having previously missed the Malaysian round due to the skin graft, Canepa was hoping to be back on board for the last race of the season but will now be replaced, once again, by Aleix Espargaro.

Canepa said;

“I am very sad as I will not be able to step on track this weekend at Valencia. I really cared about competing in this last Grand Prix of the season to end it with a good result. I want to thank the Pramac Racing Team, Paolo Campinoti and Ducati Corse for this fantastic experience I have lived.  Now I will have to think about getting back at the best physical conditions and go back on track whichever will be my next sport adventure.”