Aruba Ducati have this evening confirmed to bikesportnews.com that Davide Giugliano will miss the opening four World Superbike rounds of the year, effectively putting an end to his title chase before it began.

The Italian, who is Chaz Davies’ team-mate, will not race at Phillip Island, Thailand, Motorland Aragon or Assen, which is a potentially huge points haul, after cracking two vetebrae in a big highside at MG corner on Tuesday,

No decision has been made on a replacement, but it is more than likely to be Ducati’s test rider Michele Pirro, who can ride in Australia then head straight to Sepang for MotoGP test duties.

“Unfortunately, Davide will miss the first four events. This was the final prognosis decided upon by the doctors yesterday evening before releasing him from from the hospital,” said the lovely Heather Watson, Ducati’s communications manager.