Yamaha Ready to Race the Riviera di Rimini
Misano World Circuit will see Alex Lowes paired with Niccolo Canepa as Guintoli continues his recovery
After announcing on Monday that he would not yet be back to Race at Misano for Round 8, Sylvain Guintoli will be at the Adriatic track from 17th to 19th June to cheer on teammate Alex Lowes and his temporary replacement, Niccolo Canepa, as the Pata Yamaha team prepare for the second home Round for title sponsor Pata in 2016. After a successful test for Lowes at the 4km circuit, the Brit is hopeful he will be returning to the fray after a collarbone injury sustained in Sepang Race 2.
Italian Canepa will be racing his home Round on the Pata Yamaha Superbike after a podium finish for the STK1000 squad last time out in Donington, and also took part in the test day ahead of Round 8 at Misano. The veteran Italian will be looking for home glory on the Riviera di Rimini, with his STK1000 seat – as replacement for Florian Marino – occupied by Nicola Morrentino for the weekend.
"I'm really looking forward to Misano as our bike has been making a lot of progress recently,” said Lowes of the upcoming Round. “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!"
"I'm really happy to be back in WorldSBK and with the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team,” added Canepa. “After the STK1000 podium 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."
The Yamahas will be out on track to get another taste of Misano on Friday 17th June at 10:15am local time (GMT +2), before the Adriatic coast welcomes the WorldSBK paddock for Race 1 on Saturday and Race 2 on Sunday: start time 13:00.
