The Brno GP will be another tough weekend for Pramac Ducati team.
Their garage will still look like a clinic for the walking wounded, because both Loris Capirossi and Randy de Puniet are still carrying previous injuries that will no doubt hamper their performances in the Czech Republic, and with another two races (Indy and Misano) in the next three weeks, their physical situation won’t have time to improve.
Capirossi, who should finally get around in announcing whether he’ll be retiring at the end of this season, has still persistant shoulder problems that he picked up at Assen after a qualifying crash that ruled him out of both the Mugello and Sachsenring rounds, but he was able to ride at Laguna Seca despite now admitting that he’ll need shoulder surgery.
“Unfortunately, the shoulder problem is persisting.
The doctor said I should undergo surgery, but I’ll only consider that after the championship.
For now I’m undergoing therapy every day.
For Brno I hope to continue improving my physical condition,” said the feisty MotoGP veteran.
“I’ve rested during this two-week break, which I really needed.
I want to ride well and to finally have a good result.
The Czech track is one of my favorites, so hopefully I’ll manage that.
”Team mate de Puniet isn’t in much better shape.
The French rider who is rumored to make the move to World Superbikes next year, suffered a crash during the Laguna Seca qualifying session picking up fractures to two of his vertebrae that ruled him out of the race, however he’s now confirmed that he didn’t sustain any pelvic fractures, but still has persistant pain.
“Missing the race at Laguna Seca was very difficult for me to accept, especially after the hard work carried out during practice and qualifying.
During the past couple of weeks, I visited the doctor to better understand the situation with my pelvis.
Fortunately, there are no fractures, but the pain still hasn’t gone away.
I underwent, and am still undergoing, daily therapy in order to be ready for Brno.
The bike had responded well to input in recent races, and it would be a shame not to take full advantage of this positive moment for us with the bike.
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