MotoGP news

Fonsi Nieto to replace Olivier Jacque at Le Mans

Kawasaki World Superbike rider Fonsi Nieto will replace injured Olivier Jacques at Kawasaki's MotoGP team this weekend at Le Mans. Although rumours already suggested Nieto would be the most likely person to replace Jacque the team didn't confirm the news until this morning.

Former 250cc world championship racer, Fonsi Nieto, will ride as a temporary replacement for the injured Olivier Jacque, who suffered a deep laceration to his right arm at Shanghai. It will be an exciting but challenging weekend for the 28-year-old Spaniard whose first ride of the ZX-RR will be during this Friday's free practice session. However, he was extremely successful in the 250cc series, which included a win in the French Grand Prix in 2002, so knows the Le Mans Bugatti circuit well. As a result, the team are optimistic he will soon get up to speed on what will be his first MotoGP ride.

Fonsi Nieto said about his upcoming MotoGP race: "I am so excited to be riding for the Kawasaki Racing Team this weekend and can only thank Kawasaki, as they have treated me so well since I became one of their riders two years ago. However, it's a shame I come here as a replacement for Olivier as I have huge respect for him. No rider wants to act as a replacement, as none of us want to be replaced, but these things happen."

He furthermore said on this weekend's race: "I am quite familiar with Le Mans and, even if it is a 'stop-and-go' track, it's not a difficult one. I like it. I won there in 2002, when I was riding in 250cc, but I am aware that it's going to be different this time. I am not in 250cc anymore and I had to change my riding style when I moved to the Superbikes. I don't know what it's going to be like on a MotoGP bike but it's certainly going to be a great experience for me! New category, new bike, new tyres… I will have to get used to them all as quickly as I can although, realistically, it will be almost impossible to learn it all in just two days of practice."

more news

• 21 Nov.
  • "Valentino would have been an excellent F1 driver"
• 20 Nov.
  • Rossi doing well at Mugello in F2008
• 04 Nov.
  • FIAT extends Yamaha sponsorship
• 28 Oct.
  • Hayden debuts at Ducati
  • Dovizioso enjoys first day at Repsol Honda
• 27 Oct.
  • Photos: Monday in Valencia
  • Stoner fastest on first day of testing
• 26 Oct.
  • Photos: Sunday in Valencia
  • Stoner storms to Spanish win
• 25 Oct.
  • Photos: Saturday in Valencia
  • Stoner steals Valencia pole
  • Hayden stays top in final practice
• 24 Oct.
  • Hayden happy with perfect start
  • Rossi looks for improvement
  • Photos: Friday in Valencia
  • Hayden finished Friday on top
  • Hayden fastest in first practice
  • Gibernau confirmed for 2009
• 23 Oct.
  • West hopes to return to MotoGP one day
• 19 Oct.
  • Stoner steals runner-up spot
  • Rossi celebrates ninth win
  • Photos: Sunday at Sepang
  • Rossi storms to victory
• 18 Oct.
  • Photos: Saturday at Sepang
  • Pedrosa steals last gasp pole
  • West fastest in final practice
• 17 Oct.
  • Photos: Friday at Sepang
  • Rossi looking strong at Sepang
  • Stoner looking for more from tyres
  • Edwards fastest in second practice
  • Yamaha leads first practice in Malaysia
• 13 Oct.
  • Guintoli joins British Superbikes
• 05 Oct.
  • Photos: Sunday at Phillip Island
  • Stoner dominates home Grand Prix
• 04 Oct.
  • Photos: Saturday at Phillip Island
  • Stoner on pole at home Grand Prix
• 03 Oct.
  • Photos: Friday at Phillip Island
• 02 Oct.
  • Elias to replace Nakano at Gresini
• 28 Sep.
  • Photos: Sunday in Motegi
  • Lorenzo misses out on podium

Homepage