As a result of Khairul Idham Pawi's injury at the Spanish GP, Petronas Sprinta Racing have announced that Mattia Pasini will act as their stand-in whilst the Malaysian recovers. Pawi underwent successful surgery on Saturday in Barcelona to his fractured finger but will miss at least the French GP.
Thirty-three-year-old Pasini has a wealth of experience in World Championship racing. Since his debut in 2004, he has competed in four different classes - 125cc, 250cc, Moto2™ and MotoGP™ - with a total of 12 victories, 19 pole positions and a further 18 podiums throughout the 228 Grands Prix he has contested.
Add to that the fact he finished fourth in the recent Americas GP whilst standing in for the injured Augusto Fernandez in the Flexbox HP 40 garage, and also riding the Sama Qatar Angel Nieto KTM in Jerez, whilst Jake Dixon continues to recover from concussion. Before the Italian gets his first taste of competitive action in two weeks at Le Mans, he will participate in the official Moto2™ Jerez test with the team on Tuesday.
Pawi is scheduled to be out of action for a period of six to eight weeks, depending on his recovery from the Grade 3 open fracture of his little finger [on the right hand] that he incurred in practice at Jerez.
Razlan Razali, Team Principle at Petronas Sprinta Racing: "We are happy to announce that the rider chosen is Mattia Pasini. “We believe he is the best candidate to replace Khairul Idham Pawi for several reasons: Firstly, he is an experienced and competitive rider. Secondly, he can contribute by helping to develop our Moto2 bike. Finally, I would like to emphasise that, although I would like to have been able to field a Malaysian rider in this role, at this moment we do not have any who are both available and competitive in Moto2.”
“The most important thing now is to have a rider who is quick and has experience, for the motivation of the team in general. We believe that Pasini can provide us with that. I would also like to take this opportunity to give KIP encouragement and wish him a quick and successful recovery. His estimated return is the Catalan Grand Prix."
Mattia Pasini: "It is never easy to replace an injured rider, but I'm very happy about this opportunity because this is a team that I have been following for some time. I'm proud to be part of this project for a few races and I will do my best to get the results that this team deserve. We have to work hard, but if there is a team in which you can work, it’s this one. I can't wait to get things underway tomorrow with the test in Jerez, so that I can get into good shape for Le Mans.”
“The Kalex is a bike that I know very well and at Austin - having hardly tested with it - I almost got on the podium. I know the team a little and the people I will be working with and this is another positive point. The potential is very high, but we have to start from scratch and give our all. I want to thank PETRONAS Sprinta Racing, Razlan Razali and Johan Stigefelt for this opportunity."