Linfoot replaced by Sandi in Team Sicilia

British rider Dan Linfoot will be replaced in Team Sicilia for the GMC Australian Grand Prix, and for the remaining three races of the season, by Federico Sandi, in another lineup change for the 250cc outfit.

The young rider was himself a replacement for Anthony West as of the British Grand Prix at Donington Park, with the Australian having left the team before making a move to Kawasaki in MotoGP. Linfoot experienced problems getting to grips with the bike, although he did break into the top ten on his debut for Team Sicilia.

A series of crashes, coupled with sponsorship problems, were the driving force behind Linfoot's departure from the team, explained Team Manager Massimo Matteoni to motogp.com

"We have had many problems with sponsors, who are not willing to continue paying for a team always finishing in the lower positions. Dan Linfoot has also crashed on a number of occasions, which has meant additional expenses for the team outside our budget," said Matteoni.

"Aprilia is also unwilling to supply the LE 250 to a rider who isn't achieving good results, so can't provide us with any advantage."

Replacement Sandi has been competing in the 125cc category for the past three seasons, this year under the Skilled Racing banner.