Aruba Ducati’s Davide Giugliano has been ruled out of this weekend’s Phillip Island World Superbike opener after cracking two vertbrae in a crash at MG corner yesterday.

The Italian was taken to Albert Hospital in Melbourne for CAT scans and, after seeing a specialist today, it was decided he would not race and will not be replaced in Australia.

“It won’t be easy to follow the first two races of the season as a spectator. It’s a real shame because I was feeling comfortable with the bike and the development work begun here was going really well,” said the Italian.

“What can I say? Luckily, my physical condition is not so serious and this is the most important thing. Unfortunately, I have to sit out the Phillip Island races and now I must focus on recovering in order to get back on track as soon as possible.”