Former MotoGP star and Pata Yamaha Superstock 1000 rider Nico Canepa will stand in for the injured Sylvain Guintoli at this weekend’s Misano World Superbike round alongside Britain’s Alex Lowes.
Canepa tested at the Italian circuit with the team earlier this month and is fresh from his UK STK1000 podium at Donington Park and stunning victory in the Portuguese 12h Endurance World Championship event in recent weeks.
"I'm really happy to be back in WorldSBK and with the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team. After the STK1000 podium and the victory in the Endurance World Championship 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,” said Canepa.
“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."