Niccolò Canepa to take Checa's place at Laguna
The young Italian, who is currently contesting the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup with the Barni Racing Team Ducati, will ride the 1199 Panigale R WSBK-spec for the second time this year, after his successful One Event participation at Donington Park last May. Canepa has already raced on the Californian track in 2009, again with Ducati, during his rookie season in MotoGP.
Meanwhile, Carlos Checa underwent surgery yesterday morning but although the operation on his pelvis went well, doctors foresee a three month recovery period. A tough blow for Carlos and the entire Ducati Alstare Team.
"I'm really pleased to have this opportunity" said Niccolò Canepa. "Racing at Laguna Seca with the factory Ducati is really something incredible. I'm feeling confident because Laguna should suit the Ducati well and it also happens to be one of my favourite tracks. I would thank my team manager Marco Barnabò, Ducati's SBK project manager Ernesto Marinelli and Ducati Alstare team manager Francis Batta for giving me the opportunity. It will be a busy month for me and I'll try to make the most of it, also with an eye on next year. I would also like to wish Carlos a speedy recovery."
