WSB: Canepa to replace recovering Guintoli at Misano

Former European Superstock 100 champion Niccolò Canepa will return to the World Superbike championship this weekend in Misano, when he steps up to the Pata Crescent Yamaha squad to replace the injured Sylvain Guintoli.

The former MotoGP racer will replace Guintoli at his home race for his home round of the championship, and says he’s excited about the potential after a successful weekend last weekend in the Endurance World Championship with the GMT94 Yamaha team.

“I’m really happy to be back in WorldSBK and with the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team. After the STK1000 podium and the victory in the Endurance World Championship this is a very good present! It is also great to have this opportunity in Italy and to race in front of the Italian fans.

“After completing the test with the Pata Yamaha team ten days ago I feel ready to ride the WorldSBK-spec YZF-R1. For sure the level in the championship is very high but I will fight as usual to do my best. I’m sorry for Sylvain but it is good that he will be joining the team for the event and I wish him a fast recovery.”

Teammate Alex Lowes says he’s also looking forward to the weekend in Misano, as he continues his own recovery from injury that saw him sitting out his home race at Donington last time out.

“I’m really looking forward to Misano as our bike has been making a lot of progress recently. It’s also a track where I believe we can be competitive. The biggest question mark at the moment is me, not the bike, so I am working as hard as possible to be close to full fitness and aim to get the results we all deserve.

“It’s a great track and a great part of the world so I can’t wait to get there and get started!”