Danilo Petrucci has confirmed that he has been asked by Team Suzuki Ecstar to replace Joan Mir for next week’s Grand Prix weekend at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.
However, the Italian refused to accept the request and ultimately declined the offer to focus on his MotoAmerica title battle with Ducati.
Mir suffered a right leg ligament injury after falling in the Austrian MotoGP race series at the Red Bull Circuit, Spielberg on Sunday. An X-ray examination at the Red Bull Ring Circuit Medical Center showed that his right leg was broken.
“I will most likely be in Misano next week, but as a spectator and not as a Suzuki MotoGP rider. I’ve talked to Ducati, I’ve been thinking about it all night, but my priority remains MotoAmerica.” Petrucci said.
Suzuki will therefore have to look for an alternative. According to MotoGP regulations, teams must make every effort to have a qualified replacement available within 10 days of an existing rider’s withdrawal.
Normally, Suzuki MotoGP test rider Sylvain Guintoli would act as a replacement, but the London-based Frenchman is injured and therefore not available.
Petrucci is currently engaged in an exciting battle with reigning MotoAmerica champion Jake Gagne, who is just one point ahead of the Italian with two race weekends to go.
Mir, meanwhile, he will miss the race after he was knocked out of the main title competition this season after he was ranked 12th standings with a collection of 77 points.
“I had a bad accident at Turn 4. I lost rear grip and there was a high side. It could be worse than that, I feel lucky,” Mir said.
“Initial checks showed a number of fractures and fractures in my ankle. Tomorrow I will have further checks and an MRI.” he added.
The 2022 MotoGP will continue to Misano, Italy, on September 4.
