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Wednesday, 19th September 2007

Japanese rider Shinichi Itoh will replace the recently sacked Alex Hofmann at Pramac d'Antin Ducati, during this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.

The team gave the ride to Itoh, the former Bridgestone test rider, as they felt he would make an excellent addition to the squad. However, Chaz Davies is thought to have been the team's first choice but was ruled out due to complications surrounding a minor arm injury. Nevertheless, Chaz could well appear at future rounds.

Itoh has a wealth of experience riding a wide variety of machines. He began competing in 500GPs in 1988 and then went on to win the Japanese Superbike title. He then returned to the GP paddock, where he scored a pole position in the 1993 German GP.

This year he continued his development work with Bridgestone tyres, which have taken a massive step forward in MotoGP this season. He also took part in the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hours race.

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Itoh will ride alongside fellow veteran Alex Barros.

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