After his crash at Phillip Island, Niccolo Canepa will miss the Malaysian GP – Canepa had a skin transplant following his crash at the Australian GP, which will prevent him from racing at Sepang.

Once again, super-sub, Aleix Espargaro will step up to take his place in the team. This will be another valuable session for Espargaro as he prepares to join Pramac in MotoGP for 2010.

Fabiano Sterlacchini – Pramac Racing Technical Director
“We are very sorry for Niccolo. He really cared to do well in these last races of the season but due to his physical condition maybe this is the best solution. The cut was really deep and in a delicate area of the arm: under pressure it could have open easily causing more problems. We wish him to get well soon: we’ll wait for him in Valencia for the last round of the season. Taking his place there will be in the team once again Espargaro. Our future rider will have therefore the occasion to accumulate more experience for next year. Mika, in the other side of the garage, is really eager and determined in this part of the season. In the last two races he was doing really well but luck wasn’t on his side: in Sepang and Valencia we are sure that he will be able to achieve positive performances.”

Mika Kallio
“I like Sepang circuit even if it is one of the few circuits where in the two years in 250cc I couldn’t manage to step on the podium. In 125cc instead I made it to conquer the second position in more than one occasion. I will try to do well this year with the hope that luck will be by my side after what happened in Phillip Island last weekend when I was battling for a good placement. During winter testing I didn’t perform so well here, but now that I have achieved more experience I am trustful to be able to do better.”

Niccolo Canepa
“I am really sorry to don’t be able to ride in Malaysia. With the Team we were working really well and in the last few races I wanted to conquer a good placement. Doctors have suggested me to don’t take any risks as the cut isn’t looking too good and therefore I will be taking a break to be at the best in Valencia next month. I still feel a lot of pain but now the worst has passed. I hope that Mika and Aleix will be able to conquer good results for the Pramac Racing Team.”

Aleix Espargaro
“I am very surprised and happy to be back in MotoGP so early even if I am always sad when a colleague gets hurt. I wish Niccolo to get well as soon as possible and be at the best for Valencia race. I will take this weekend as a pre season test: I have a lot to learn and this will be a great occasion for me. After the last race ridden in Misano I have constantly trained and I am sure to be in good physical condition even if in Sepang is always really hard due to the high temperatures and humidity.”

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