Canepa returns to Superstock 1000 with Barni Racing Team

Niccolò Canepa, the winner of the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup in 2007 with a Ducati 1098S, will return to the under-26 series next year, once again on a Ducati. The rider from Genoa, who failed to finish an unfortunate World Superbike season in 2012 on a Red Devils Roma Ducati 1198 after breaking his right leg at the Nurburgring, will line up alongside Eddi La Marra in the two-rider Barni Racing Team, on Ducati 1199 Panigale machines.

"I am pleased to remain in Ducati, because after many years I have close links with the Borgo Panigale manufacturer", explained Canepa. "I can't wait for this new adventure to begin and get back on a bike again after my crash in Germany. A big thanks to team manager Marco Barnabò, all of his staff and my managers for believing in me. I'm sure that we'll get some good results".

Team manager Marco Barnabò also declared his satisfaction about having two top riders in his Superstock 1000 line-up. "Finalizing this deal with Niccolò Canepa gives me great joy. I am full of esteem for him, he's got a lot of talent and has a successful racing career behind him. Together we're sure to get some good results. On 28 and 29 November we'll be at Jerez testing and preparing for the 2013 season. Niccolò will team up with La Marra, this year's runner-up, who is hoping to improve even more. My hopes are that they both get the best results, it's going to be fun next year that's for sure!"

The last time Canepa raced in Superstock 1000 was in 2011 for Kawasaki Go Eleven after starting the season on a SS Lazio Motorsport Ducati (now called Red Devils Roma).