Charpentier out - Pitt in

Reigning World Supersport Champion Sebastian Charpentier has been ruled out of this weekend’s Valencia race due to injury, paving the way for Australian Andrew Pitt to ride the Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR.

Charpentier crashed out of Friday’s free practice at Donington Park two weeks ago and cracked a bone in his groin.

The Frenchman underwent intensive rehabilitation and although he was able to gain movement and strength in his legs he was still in excruciating pain whenever he walked.

The level of pain prompted the double world champion to have another full body scan where it was discovered that he had damaged and cracked his coxic (tail bone).

Charpentier’s injury has allowed out of work Andrew Pitt the opportunity to return to the WSB paddock.

Pitt is no stranger to World Supersport having won the title on a Kawasaki in 2001. He also rode for an R6 for the Yamaha Italia team in 2004.

Pitt started 2007 riding for the British based Illmor MotoGP team, but after the opening round was left without a job due to a lack of budget to run the team.

Speaking to MCN, Team boss Ronald Ten Kate, said: “It’s really disappointing for Sebastian. He worked so hard to get fit for this weekend, but it became clear there was something else wrong given the pain he was in.

“The decision not to race this weekend will give him an extra two weeks to regain his fitness and he is discussing with his doctors the possibility of racing in Assen at the end of the month.

“Andrew Pitt was the obvious choice for us to replace Sebastian. We’ve spoken about him joining our team a few times in the past, but the circumstances weren’t quite right.

“It will be good to have a fully competitive rider to join Keenan and for sure there will be no team orders. The only thing I will say to Andrew is that if he is battling with Keenan, don’t be too fierce and no contact.”