Bushiee46
30-03-2007, 16:27
Aprilia test rider Alex Debon could be brought into the Gilera team for the next few races as a replacement for Roberto Locatelli, who looks set to be out for at least three months following an horrific crash in practice for the Spanish Grand Prix.
Spaniard Debon, 31, finished fifth in Spain as a wildcard for Fortuna Aprilia, but could be allowed to race a limited programme for Gilera, as both companies are owned by Scooter manufacturer Piaggio.
"I am still awaiting the decision of the Aprilia directors, said Debon. "One has to see how Roberto Locatelli feels in the days after his transferral to Italy, but all signs point to a long recovery for him.
"I will be in Istanbul as sporting director to Jorge Lorenzo and Pol Espargaro, but I will know in the next few days if I will ride there or not."
Locatelli, 32, was left in a coma after crashed heavily during practice at Jerez, smashing his ankle, breaking a collarbone, puncturing a lung and sustaining serious facial injuries.
He was flown from a hospital in Cadiz back to Bologna in Italy, where he will remain in hospital for an as-yet unspecified amount of time.
Spaniard Debon, 31, finished fifth in Spain as a wildcard for Fortuna Aprilia, but could be allowed to race a limited programme for Gilera, as both companies are owned by Scooter manufacturer Piaggio.
"I am still awaiting the decision of the Aprilia directors, said Debon. "One has to see how Roberto Locatelli feels in the days after his transferral to Italy, but all signs point to a long recovery for him.
"I will be in Istanbul as sporting director to Jorge Lorenzo and Pol Espargaro, but I will know in the next few days if I will ride there or not."
Locatelli, 32, was left in a coma after crashed heavily during practice at Jerez, smashing his ankle, breaking a collarbone, puncturing a lung and sustaining serious facial injuries.
He was flown from a hospital in Cadiz back to Bologna in Italy, where he will remain in hospital for an as-yet unspecified amount of time.