Simon to replace injured Savadori for Aragon WSBK
2009 125cc champion Julian Simon will make his World Superbike debut this weekend at Aragon, filling in for Lorenzo Savadori at Milwaukee Aprilia.
Julian Simon, QMMF Racing Team
Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Savadori got injured after a crash during the first race the previous WSBK round at Buriram, and hasn't recovered in time for the next round at Aragon.
The Italian made his full-time debut in the series last year by finishing 10th with Aprilia before having a low-key start to his 2017 campaign with ninth as his best result so far.
He will be replaced by Grand Prix veteran Julian Simon, who has been a regular 125cc and Moto2 contender since 2003.
The 29-year-old Spaniard had been a mainstay of the Moto2 class since 2010, but was left without a full-time seat for the 2017 campaign - although he was present last weekend in Qatar as a replacement of Iker Lecuona.
"Firstly I want to thank SMR and Aprilia for this opportunity. I am really happy and excited to participate in my first SBK race," said Simon, who also works as a rider coach for Marc VDS MotoGP rider Tito Rabat.
"I am sorry for Lorenzo that he is hurt, and I hope that he recovers soon.
"When I got the call from the team it was an incredible surprise, and I could not say no. I would also like to thank my rider Tito Rabat for his support; he told me I must ride and to enjoy it!
"For this weekend I want to understand the RSV4 RF as quickly as possible and to know the team. I am excited to race, and I hope we can achieve some good results."
Savadori is expected to return for the next World Superbike round at Assen on 29-30 April.
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