Andrew Pitt joins HANNspree Ten Kate Honda in Valencia
Former Supersport World Champion Andrew Pitt will join HANNspree
Ten Kate Honda in Valencia this weekend as the team aims to
extend its lead in the 2007 Championship. The Australian rider
is a temporary replacement for Sébastien Charpentier,
who is continuing to make good progress in his recovery from
injuries sustained at Donington Park two weeks ago.
Pitt will contest this weekend's fourth round race aboard
the new CBR600RR - a bike which is still in the early stages
of development. The invaluable experience of 31-year-old Pitt
will provide the team with strong support in terms of data
comparison with team-mate Kenan Sofuoglu. The young Turkish
rider will be aiming to extend his 27-point series lead even
further at the Spanish event.
Sébastien Charpentier underwent further tests this
morning to determine whether he would be fit to ride in Valencia.
However X-rays showed a small fracture to his coccyx that
is adding to the pain of his pelvic injury. The Frenchman
is healing well and aims to be back with the HANNspree Ten
Kate Honda team in time for fifth round of the championship
in Assen in two weeks time.
Ronald Ten Kate, Team Manager:
"Of course we are all as disappointed as Sébastien
that he is not back with us for Valencia. His intense pain
was continuing so we decided to do another scan early this
morning. From these scans the medical team found a small fracture
of the bone at the bottom of the spine. This at least explains
why he is in so much pain. I will be speaking with him everyday
and we will have an update on his recovery on Friday. Hopes
are high that he will be back with us in time for Assen. Replacement
rider Andrew Pitt will bring his wealth of experience to the
race this weekend. Andrew is a force to be reckoned on any
bike and without putting pressure on him or his crew, we are
aiming for a top five result."
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