Injured Canepa to miss season finale

The Pramac rider was forced to miss the previous race in Malaysia following a skin transplant, but he was hoping to return to action for the season finale.

However, after a medical check today, Canepa's doctors advised the Italian to rest his arm more in order to avoid the wound to reopen.

Spaniard Aleix Espargaro will again replace Canepa, who will not be racing with the team next year.

"We are very sad that Niccolo will not make it to race with us this last Grand Prix of the season," said team boss Paolo Campinoti. "Last year he has done a quite good job here during the first winter test and he could have achieved a good result also in this occasion.

"We would like to thank him for the work done this year and we wish him the best of luck for a future rich of success whichever road he will take. He is a talented rider who has to accumulate more experience to come back at the top level.

"His place will be taken once again by Aleix Espargaro: in every race he has competed with us this season he has done quite well and we confide he will be able to do the same this weekend in Valencia."

Canepa said: "I am very sad as I will not be able to step on track this weekend at Valencia. I really cared about competing in this last Grand Prix of the season to end it with a good result. I want to thank the Pramac Racing Team, Paolo Campinoti and Ducati Corse for this fantastic experience I have lived.

"Now I will have to think about getting back at the best physical conditions and go back on track whichever will be my next sport adventure."