Airwaves Ducati rider James Haydon has today been
ruled out of competing in the second round of the British Superbike season
at Thruxton this weekend. Haydon will be unable to take his place on the
grid following confirmation from a specialist that he had suffered a
'comminuted fracture' of his left hand whilst pre season testing in Albacete and requires more recovery time before making his entry in this year's BSB Series.
The former British Champions announced that experienced WSB rider, Gregorio
Lavilla, will continue to race for the team, following his impressive debut
at Brands Hatch in the season opener on Easter Monday. The 30-year-old
Spaniard will again partner 21-year-old Leon Haslam on the Airwaves Ducatis
as the team continue their quest for the British Superbike Championship at
the Hampshire circuit.
Team Manager, Colin Wright, stated: "We're obviously disappointed that James
' injury has precluded his involvement this weekend but are equally pleased
to confirm the same pairing that secured excellent finishes at Brands Hatch.
We were delighted with our performance there in securing pole position, 2
podium finishes and a 4th and are looking forward to continuing our title
challenge at Thruxton. It's great that the season is now in full swing and
we are completely focused on this race at the moment. We will be reviewing
the rider situation after the weekend in line with James' ongoing recovery".
Lavilla, who impressed on his debut for the team 10 days ago, commented: "I'
m delighted to be able to continue riding for the team and am looking
forward to the second round. I'm sorry for James and wish him well in his
recovery."
Haydon was naturally frustrated by the news but still upbeat in his hopes for the season: "I'm absolutely gutted to miss Thruxton having already sat out the first race as well but I'm assured that my recovery is going well. I 'm hopeful that I will soon be back riding for the team and playing a full part in the rest of the BSB rounds".
The second round of the Championship takes place at the Thruxton circuit,
8th - 10th April, with the Airwaves Ducati team eager to build on their
impressive re-entry into the series.
