As we previously reported, John Hopkins stays out for the remainder of the season due to serious injuries after crashing out in the 11th round of the series in Germany three weeks ago. The team then announced that Hopkins would not be replaced by another rider due to financial reasons.
This can be translated in just one entry in Imola, namely Leon Haslam. The Briton holds sixth place in the rankings and is most likely to secure a top five championship finish for himself and the team.
Furthermore, the team also announced that Gianluca Vizziello will step out of the 2009 World Supersport Championship. Unfortunately, the rider failed to deliver the expected results, so it is now all up to Anthony West to try and secure a top five championship finish in the remaining three rounds of the series.
"After long discussions with our partner S2 Racing, who are the financial provider for the team, we have finally decided to let Gianluca go,” said team manager Johan Stigefelt in a press statement. “We need to do everything we can to survive the remaining three races and had no other option then to cut the costs dramatically. This is by far the worst year for me as team manger in the five years I have been active in this championship," he added.
Gianluca Vizziello is just as disappointed with the decision. "I´m obviously very sad and disappointed that this decision has been made. I knew it was coming, but nevertheless it still hits me like a rock. I had my focus on these last rounds and it just feels like I am being robbed of my chances," he said.
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