EVO rider Niccolò Canepa (Althea Racing Team Ducati) is confident ahead of the ninth round of the 2014 season, which will take place this weekend at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The 26 year old Italian has raced there last year as wildcard for the factory Ducati team, claiming an encouraging 2nd row start before crashing out of both races.

“Laguna Seca is one of my favourite tracks and the atmosphere you feel there is incredible” said Canepa. “The track itself is one of the most difficult on the calendar but it is also very exciting at the same time, because it’s completely different to the other ones. The Corkscrew is where you can really make the difference in the lap, but also the part from there that leads to the final corner is very important, fast and difficult. Last year I had great fun riding for the factory Ducati team but unfortunately I crashed out of both races after starting from the front row of the grid. This year I will do my best to improve and hopefully I will be able to score a couple of strong results there.”