Andrew Pitt joins replaces Sebastien Charpentier in Valencia

Seb Charpentier aims to be back for the fifth round of the championship in Assen. © HANNspress Ten Kate Honda. Former Supersport World Champ 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 Aussie 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 yesterday 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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