Aruba Ducati’s Davide Giugliano has been ruled out of World Superbike action for the rest of the season after doctors discovered a vertebrae fracture as a result of his Laguna Seca crash.

The fracture, not visible in the initial examination that took place at the racetrack, was a consequence of the crash that took place during race two. Giugliano was immediately examined by local doctors who also carried out a radiography of his spine but no serious injuries were identified, except for contusions to the left foot and right knee.

Given the nature of the crash and the previous accident at Phillip Island – in which the rider suffered fractures of the L1 and L2 vertebrae, missing the first four rounds as a result – the rider, together with the Team, decided to undergo more in-depth tests on his return from the USA.

Unfortunately the MRI and CAT scans carried out on Thursday 23 July have revealed a fracture  of the D3 vertebra. The fracture will prevent Giugliano from riding his bike for three months, which means he will be unable to race for the remainder of the 2015 championship.

“I am of course extremely disappointed right now… Clearly 2015 was not my season. There is no point grieving over it anyway, that’s that and the important thing is that once again the trauma will not result in any long-term damage. It will take a bit more time, but I hope to recover quickly and be back riding my Panigale soon,” he said.
 
The Italian squad will not replace Giugliano for the upcoming event taking place at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia on 2 August, but has decided to entrust the second Panigale R to Michele Pirro, already a frontrunner when he participated as a wildcard at the Misano SBK round, for the following round, scheduled to take place at the Spanish track of Jerez de la Frontera on 20.