Both GPone.
com and Sportmediaset are reporting that the situation regarding the return of Ben Spies for the remaining part of the season is not looking good, and Ducati is looking for a permanent replacement rider to fill his boots for the final rounds.
The Ducati rider has undergone three surgeries on his shoulders so far this season and apparently his physical conditions – including his recent hand injury – will not see him back on track any time soon, with his doctors reportedly advising him to sit out the rest of the year, and this will cause even more strain between the American and the Italian manufacturer.
While there is no official confirmation on Spies recovery date, Ducati’s Paolo Ciabatti speaking to GPone.
com said, “Obviously there is still no decision on this matter, but yes we are talking about it.
From the general point of view it wouldn’t make sense to field a rider who is not fit.
” Ciabatti seems more worried in finding someone to replace Spies, as test rider Michele Pirro due to the a very intense work schedule, cannot continue replacing him.
The Italian test rider will race at Misano this weekend and at the final round at Valencia as programmed but he has to continue his testing duties as Ducati is working on the development of a new bike, and they have tests planned before the Aragon round and another two in October.