It’s no secret that Pramac Ducati’s Niccolò Canepa has been one of those several riders who has been struggling to come to grips with the Desmosedici GP bike, despite the fact that the 20 year old won a Superstock 1000 title in 2007 with a Ducati and spent a year in the Ducati ‘family’ as a test rider alongside Vitto Guareschi.
The young Genoan despite his terribile season, probably thought he could finish his year in MotoGP and then head over next year to the World Superbike or Supersport paddock or in Moto2, but Canepa may learn today that he will be officially replaced for the final four races, when he and his manager Carlo Pernat, and Niccolò’s father Mauro, a former ’70s racer will meet with Pramac Ducati’s owner Paolo Campinotti at Casale d’Elsa near Siena.
Canepa’s replacement will likely be Aleix Espargarò.
The Spanish rider was drafted for two races to take Mika Kallio’s place in the Pramac team, while the Finn was subbing for the absent Casey Stoner.
Espargaro, who hasn’t a permanent ride this season in any racing series, and despite never having ridden a MotoGP, impressed Ducati with his learning curve and during his second appearance at the Misano GP, the young Spaniard qualified one tenth of second slower than James Toseland and posted the 5th fastest race lap and finished 11th ahead of DePuniet, Canepa and Talmacsi, and for Ducati, who is desperate to find any rider that shows some promise in handling the red devil, may find himself with a contract for 2010.