MotoGP: Michele Pirro replaces injured Enea Bastianini

Ducati test rider, Michele Pirro will replace the injured Enea Bastianini at COTA.

Enea Bastianini will miss the Grand Prix of the Americas following a crash in the inaugural MotoGP Sprint. Bastianini suffered from a right shoulder injury, sustained after a crash at Portimao.

Pirro will replace the 25-year-old at the Grand Prix of the Americas, after completing a two-day test at Jerez. He was joined by Cal Crutchlow, Dani Pedrosa, and 2021 WorldSBK Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu.

Enea Bastianini completed some laps at Misano, riding a Ducati Panigale V4S, to test his physical condition. The 25-year-old will continue his recovery process after a check from medics.

Michele Pirro will not be the only replacement rider racing at COTA this weekend, with Stefan Bradl announcing his return. Bradl will replace the injured Marc Marquez who continues his recovery.

Luca Marini lost the front at turn five in the MotoGP Sprint, hitting into the side of Enea Bastianini. This crash caused Bastianini’s motorcycle to highside, breaking his right shoulder blade in the process.

Bastianini’s time in MotoGP has been incredibly successful, ending last season in third position in the standings. He took six podiums in the season, including four race wins, racing for Gresini Ducati.

This will be Pirro’s second time racing at COTA, previously stepping in to replace Danilo Petrucci in 2016. Michele Pirro finished in eighth position, onboard the Pramac Ducati.

Enea Bastianini said: “I’m sorry that I can’t race in Austin because I really wanted to. It’s a track I like, and I have had good memories since I won last year’s race. I really did everything I could in these weeks, but it still takes time, and it wouldn’t have made sense to risk it. Now I will work harder to recover my strength for the Spanish GP in Jerez.”

Michele Pirro said: “I am sorry that Enea will not be able to participate in the GP of the Americas. He really wanted to and has been working hard these weeks with rehabilitation, but he still has to recover his strength at 100%. 

“I will do my best and give my all for Ducati. I only raced once at the Circuit of The Americas in 2016 to replace Petrucci, so I have no particular ambitions. The goal will be to improve in each session and be as close as possible to the leaders.”

Image credit: Ducati Media