Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team WorldSBK) is to step in for Enea Bastianini (Lenovo Ducati Team) whom broke his shoulder blade in a on track incident in the opening sprint race of the MotoGP season. The injury has left him unable to compete since that time. Bastianini attempted to ride at the Spanish GP in Jerez, but the pain appeared to be too much for the rider. Bastianini’s Team Manager Davide Tardozzi, “He said it is too painful after a couple of laps, it is too hard to ride. We don’t want to take too many risks, so he decided to stop.” He had logged 5 laps before calling it quits and ruled himself out for the Spanish GP.
Bastianini has now reportedly withdrawn from the French GP at Le Mans and WorldSBK rider Danilo Petrucci has been called up to fill in due to Bastianini’s extended absence. Petrucci is a previous MotoGP rider having been on the MotoGP grid from 2012-2021. Most recently he has been competing in WorldSBK which has not yet translated to the success he saw last year in the USA MotoAmerica Superbike Championship. However, when opportunity calls you show up. At Le Mans, Petrucci will step in for Bastianini alongside World Championship leader Francesco Bagnaia. The WorldSBK rider previously won at the French GP with Ducati in 2020. The upcoming French GP will be his first showing in MotoGP since his appearance at the 2022 Thai GP. We will keep you updated on the developments surrounding this story.
For more information on injury updates visit. MotoGP.com