Nieto confirmed for Le Mans showdown

Kawasaki have confirmed that Fonsi Nieto will replace injured rider Olivier Jacque in this weekend’s Le Mans GP.

Complications from the right arm injury Jacque suffered in Shanghai earlier this month forced him to confirm his withdrawal from his home race yesterday.

As expected, Kawasaki this morning have unveiled Nieto as his replacement, denying British rider Neil Hodgson a shock return to the premier class for the first time since his disastrous 2004 campaign with the D’Antin Ducati squad.

Nieto said: “I am so excited to be riding for the Kawasaki Racing Team this weekend and can only thank Kawasaki, as they have treated me so well since I became one of their riders two years ago.

“However, it’s a shame I come here as a replacement for Olivier as I have huge respect for him. No rider wants to act as a replacement, as none of us want to be replaced, but these things happen.

“I am quite familiar with Le Mans and, even if it is a ‘stop-and-go’ track, it’s not a difficult one. I like it. I won there in 2002, when I was riding in 250cc, but I am aware that it’s going to be different this time. I am not in 250cc anymore and I had to change my riding style when I moved to the Superbikes.

The 28-year-old added: “I don’t know what it’s going to be like on a MotoGP bike but it’s certainly going to be a great experience for me! I am really looking forward to trying the Ninja ZX-RR 800cc as I have heard a lot about it and many people say riding it is similar to riding a 250.”